Plaintext Classics publishes new, modern-English editions of public-domain classics. Here is how they are made.
Translated from the original
Each edition is made directly from the original-language source text. Earlier public-domain translations are consulted only as a cross-check.
AI-assisted, under human direction
These editions are produced with the help of artificial intelligence. The drafting and the endnote research are assisted by some of the most advanced large language models, working from the source text under human direction. In plain terms: the translation is AI-assisted, not the work of a single human translator sitting with a lexicon.
Faithful, but not infallible
We aim to be accurate to the events, characters, and meaning of the original. But any translation involves judgment, and an AI-assisted one can still make mistakes. Treat these editions as a faithful, readable guide to the work — not as a final scholarly authority. If you spot an error, please tell us through our contact form; we fix what we can.
From public-domain sources
The source texts we work from are in the public domain. Our editions are free to read here and free to download. If you would rather have a typeset Kindle or paperback, those are available too.