Getting Permission to use primary documents in articles

Proach · Jul 25, 2009

Okay, I am planning to write a series on the French Revolution and want to include quotes from primary documents. I've found some excellent primary documents taken from that time published and translated into English on the internet but do not know if they are for the public domain or whether I have to contact someone to get permission to use those documents.

I would greatly appreciate it if someone would give me some advice here. Thanks a bunch.

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MaryMumsy · Jul 26, 2009

I don't know the answer, but I'd ask Medievalist.

MM

Fresie · Jul 29, 2009

Logically, everything from that period should be in public domain but I'd contact them anyway and ask for their permission simply because it's a nice thing to do, and send them a copy of the article after it's published. That's what I do, normally.

Namatu · Jul 30, 2009

Food for thought: The primary document itself may be in the public domain, but I don't know if there would be restrictions on the translation, which is presumably much more recent.

veinglory · Jul 30, 2009

I would also wonder about the translation, that might be more recent. However if you are using only a small portion it might fall under fair use.

Getting Permission to use primary documents in articles

Proach

MaryMumsy

the original blond bombshell

Fresie

She Who Runs The Waves

Namatu

Lost in mental space.

veinglory

volitare nequeo