I have downloaded in text format and translated some of these books into webpages so you can either download or read them from your browser. You can also see the book covers and get more information about them on my other website here: More Information and downloads of free public domain Fantasy Books (go to this page to get the links and more info)
William Morris Books
William Morris is considered to be the father of modern epic fantasy. He first put together the formula of a young man tossed into a grand adventure in a magical world. It is the classic epic fantasy quest story and Tolkien himself pays homage to Morris as one of his inspirations.
The Well at World's End Learn more
If you are a fan of epic fantasy and you have never heard of William Morris then you are in for a real treat. It all started with the publication in 1892 of his novel The Well at the World's End. This is an outstanding piece of Epic Fantasy and it is considered to be the first epic fantasy work of the modern era.
Here is a quick synopsis of the novel : The youngest son of a king (Ralph of Upmeads) runs away from home and kingdom, but before he goes his godmother gives him a necklace with a bead on it. He overcomes many obstacles and challenges on the way to his destiny at the well at the world's end.
Does this sound familiar. It is a template that many have further expanded on and some of the more familiar modern day masters such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien have openly proclaimed homage to Morris.
The Wood Beyond the World (Considering purchasing this novel? Learn More here)
Another classic epic fantasy tale by William is The Wood Beyond The World This one is a tale of a hero named Walter and his epic sea voyage. This novel and The Well at the World's End are works that absolutely have to be in the collection of any fan of epic fantasy.
Download zip file of novel in .txt format
Edith Nesbit - The Mother of Modern Children's Fantasy
Five Children and It by Edith Nesbit (Considering purchasing this novel? Learn More here)
The story begins when a group of children move from London to the countryside of Kent. While playing in a gravel pit soon after the move, they uncover a rather grumpy, ugly and occasionally malevolent sand-fairy known as the Psammead who is compelled to grant one wish of theirs per day.
Edgar Rice Burroughs - An astonishingly prolific author from the times of HG Wells. He wrote a lot of stuff you are familiar with including The Lost Continent, Pellucidar, Thuvia and Tarzan. Many of the Edgar Rice Burroughs books are available for free from Gutenburg.org. Here is the link: Free Edgar Rice Burroughs books at Gutenburg.org
The John Carter of Mars Series - A wonderful science fiction and fantasy series composed of 11 Books The first book is A Princess of Mars.
Some Other Works to consider:
- The Book of A Thousand Nights and A Night - (1001) Nights Translated by Sir Richard Francis Burton Page on Gutenburg
- Aesop's Fables - With Illustrations - Gutenburg page
- Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales - Gutenburg Page
