Even during the best of times it’s nice to sit down with a great fantasy novelOpens in a new tab and escape our world for a few hours. But during a global pandemicOpens in a new tab the right story about magical lands, fabulous creatures, and legendary heroes can be downright therapeutic. A good book is the perfect way to mentally get away from the world’s problems. And some of the best ever written can be yours without spending a single gold coin because they’re in the public domain. Here are classic fantasy books you can download for free right now at Project GutenbergOpens in a new tab.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Most people know about Alice’s trip down the rabbit hole thanks to the beloved animated Disney film and from other kid-friendly book adaptations. But Lewis Carroll’s surreal 1865 novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Opens in a new tabhas never been out of publication because it’s still a must-read for people of all ages. It’s weird, silly, and totally engaging. You can also get all of John Tenniel’s original illustrationsOpens in a new tab. And when you finish you can also read Carroll’s sequel, Through the Looking GlassOpens in a new tab.
The Book of Dragons by Edith Nesbit
“One of the pioneers of fantasy fiction for childrenOpens in a new tab,” Edith Nesbit’s stories are a perfect choice for families looking for great fantasy stories they can read together. You can start with her collection of tales The Book of DragonsOpens in a new tab. There are so many different dragons everyone will have their own personal favorite. And plenty of Nesbit’s other stories are also available, including her classic kid’s books The Railway ChildrenOpens in a new tab and Five Children and ItOpens in a new tab.
Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
One of the most famous fantasy novels of all-time, Gulliver’s TravelsOpens in a new tab by Jonathan Swift, can still transport readers to other worlds both big and small. Literally. It’s not just a funny and exciting adventure story; it remains one of the best works of satire ever written. And you’ll definitely enjoy the absurdity of Lilliputians arguing over fashion more than anything going on in our world. Then follow it up with Swift’s other seminal work, A Modest ProposalOpens in a new tab, which unfortunately is just as relevant today as it was when he first “suggested” eating children.
The Iliad and The Odyssey by Homer
Two of the most important works in the history of Western civilization, The IliadOpens in a new tab and The OdysseyOpens in a new tab, might seem like daunting reads. But they’re far more accessible than you might think. And Homer’s Greek epics are still as beautiful, poignant, entertaining, and exciting as they were 2,800 years ago. It’s also remarkable how influential they still are. Many scenes and plots have been re-imagined/stolen by writers ever since.
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain
We sure would love to know what Mark Twain thinks about America in the year 2020. But at least we always have his humor and insight to help us get through any time, as in his hilarious novel A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s CourtOpens in a new tab. It follows an American who is magically thrust back in time to England during the reign of King Arthur. There, he tries to use his knowledge of the future to make things better. It doesn’t exactly go as he hoped. When you finish up with that hilarious story you can also download other Mark Twain’s classicsOpens in a new tab. That includes Adventures of Huckleberry FinnOpens in a new tab, The Adventures of Tom SawyerOpens in a new tab, and The Prince and the PauperOpens in a new tab.
Barsoom Series by Edgar Rice Burroughs
You can get away from Earth’s problems by spending a whole lot of time on Mars. The first five books in Edgar Rice BurroughsOpens in a new tab’ Barsoom series are available. His epic tales of John Carter’s adventures on the Red Planet are among the most influential works ever written for both fantasy and sci-fi. You can download A Princess of MarsOpens in a new tab, The Gods of MarsOpens in a new tab, The Warlord of MarsOpens in a new tab, Thuvia, Maid of MarsOpens in a new tab, and The Chessmen of MarsOpens in a new tab. The other six books aren’t in the public domain yet.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Not only is L. Frank Baum’s literary classic The Wonderful Wizard of OzOpens in a new tab available to download for free, you can get it with the original illustrations from W.W. Denslow. Dorothy’s magical adventure has been a staple on children’s bookshelves since it was first published in 1900 for a reason. You don’t have to worry about leaving Oz when you finish, because Baum’s many sequelsOpens in a new tab are also available.
While “there’s no place like home,” sometimes we still want to get away from it. And a great fantasy novel is always a great way to do that. That’s especially true when we physically can’t get away from home.
Featured Image: CreateSpace IndependentOpens in a new tab Publishing PlatformOpens in a new tab/Amazon ClassicOpens in a new tab
