"The Corsair Finds the Children", from 'Princess Belle-Etoile" (1909), image courtesy of OldBookArt.com
Here’s a fun site where you’ll find thousands of book plates and other images scanned from Public Domain books. The scans are mostly captured from books that pass through the collection of online book dealer, ZephyrusBooks.com which specializes in used, out-of-print, antiquarian and collectible books (highly recommended by the way).
From the site:
“On this site are scanned images from old books, maps and some other art. You will find prints, lithographs, engravings, etchings, and all types of color and monochrome art from children’s books, literature, natural history (nature) guides, and much more.
All these images are free for you to download in various sizes.
There are full page scans, scans of entire images and maps, as well as edited details that I thought would make pretty or interesting clip art or illustrations.
Old Book Art is a project that got started by using the public domain images from the antiquarian book stock of Zephyrus Books. This has expanded to other antiquarian items such as maps, and we have broadened our sources to include other public domain sources such as The Library of Congress and other book owners who have access to images that have pasesed into the public domain.
Initially the goal was to create unique products to sell in the bookstore. This has worked well, and will continue as long as there is demand. What has happened in the meantime though, as time has passed, is that now there are thousands of these images on my computer, and I thought it would be most beneficial to everyone if I posted what I was able on the web for others to share. Thus, this site has launched in October of 2007 with the goal of sharing what I am able.”
Samples of the incredible images you will find in this collection…
Remember the “Oz Books” post I did not long ago? This site has high-res scans of the plates in the Oz books like this one…
A few more samples representing just the tiniest tip of the iceberg of what OldBookArt.com has available…
Find lots, lots, lots more at the link below…
P.S. – If you use something from this collection, why not show your support and give a little back in return to help support the site? OldBookArt.com takes donations and with our help we can ensure that the site will continue to provide theses wonderful Public Domain images.
About The Author:
 Logan Andrew is an online entrepreneur, information publisher, and author that has been using Public Domain material to create profitable products and businesses since 2001. He is also co-author of "The Public Domain Treasure Hunter's Survival Kit" available here. For more info Logan, click here. |
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
This is an amazing sight, and special appreciation should be noted for the owner given an honest appraisal of the copyright status of the images and the lack of restrictions on their use. An honourable man and a great site.
Thanks for making it available.
Magpie´s last [type] ..Kerry Drake Coffee Mug
Thanks Magpie ~ I agree!
Hi Logan and Debra
I found a lovely picture in an old fairy tale book that you directed me to. I wrote a post about it that you may find interesting. The need for attention – listed below.
Again many thanks for this valuable resource.
Grapho´s last [type] ..The Need for Attention
I am an artist and I also own a machine embroidery business.
I would love to be able to tap into the world of public domain for profit but I don’t want to get into trouble!
Hi Kim,
That’s completely understandable – afterall, the penalties for copyright infringement are certainly nothing to laugh at. That’s why it’s extremely important to properly educate yourself about copyright law and the Public Domain before attempting to use any material which someone is claiming is in the Public Domain. Always check it out for yourself first.
Once you understand the limits and durations of copyright law, you’ll begin to see that where the Public Domain is concerned, the law actually works for you and that it’s completely legal to leverage Public Domain materials in any manner you see fit without asking for permission or paying licensing fees.
But again, you have to have a thorough understanding of the rules involved to properly and effectively play the game.
We’re here to help, let us know if you have any specific questions.
Logan
Hi Logan,
Great to see that you are up and running again.
You have some wonderfull sites for us all its good to know that you are helping and showing great sites and information.
I like it
Gordon
Thanks Gordon, it’s great to hear from you and I’m really glad to find that you’re still with us ; )