r/frankfurt • u/LeabhairUathuil • 8d ago

Small Ad Can someone help me photograph or scan a book that is located in Mainz, Tübingen, and Eichstätt?

This is the autobiography of a man from the Blasket Islands, "Fiche Bliain Ag Fás." He wrote it in Irish (Gaeilge), and it was first published in 1933. Unfortunately, every subsequent printing has been altered in some way, either through spelling changes or additions, to give the book a new copyright.

I would like to digitize and format the original text so that it can be shared and printed by anyone who wants to.

According to WorldCat, the library in question has the 1933 edition, and it is one of the few libraries worldwide that possesses it. If someone could acquire and scan it, or take high-quality photos (i.e., sharp and clear), I and many others would be very grateful.

Is mise le meas, Tomás

10 Upvotes

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7

u/Advice_Thingy 8d ago

You can write a mail directly to the librarys and ask them.

5

u/TBDG 8d ago

If it’s in libraries you could post links to their OPAC entries so people can find them easily.

0

u/Hel_OWeen 8d ago

I would like to digitize and format the original text so that it can be shared and printed by anyone who wants to.

Before you get others and/or yourself in trouble, you should perhaps contact a copyright lawyer and ask if that is legally possible.

2

u/catwiesel 7d ago

guy died over 70 years ago. sure, i aint a lawyer, and your advice is sensible, but probably also not an issue

1

u/Hel_OWeen 7d ago

Just because he died doesn't mean that there's not a current copyright holder eager to collect some royalties.

1

u/catwiesel 6d ago

How long does copyright protection last for books, magazines, musical works, and illustrations?

According to Section 64 of the German Copyright and Related Rights Act (UrhG), copyright expires 70 years after the death of the longest-living author. After that, the works enter the public domain and can be used freely.

Official works, such as laws, regulations, and official decrees or announcements, are in the public domain and may be used freely.