Epigraph from the public domain

Anything published before 1923 is in the public domain. This quote comes from Supernatural Horror in Literature, which was first published in 1927, which disqualifies it for public domain.

ETA - http://www.yankeeclassic.com/miskatonic/library/stacks/literature/lovecraft/essays/supernat/supern01.htm

Can't you just add a citation?

There are some questions about Lovecraft's work, regarding what is and what is not in public domain. I would not entirely trust WikiSource for a copyright issue like this.

caw

Hi all! May I jump in as well, as my question is similar and I don't want to make a mess by creating a new thread.

So everything that has been published before 1923 is in public domain? Then what about translated texts?
I am writing a novel that features either citations or entire poems at the beginning of each chapter. The poems are all from ancient China so way before 1923... but some translation may have been revisited in the recent years. So what happens in that situation?

And if I want to go with a specific translation, that I know is more recent, how should I ask for permission to use the poem? And is it a hard, expensive and quasi impossible process or something that could be done?

All advice welcome

Unless you are self publishing, include the quotations you want to include and let your publisher or agent sort out the legalities.

If you are self publishing, find a good indie editor who can look into these things for you.