How to find who owns the copyright of an old book?

Question: How to find who owns the copyright of an old book!?

The former editor doesn't exist anymore!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Look inside the book, at the backside of the title page!. If the book was ever copyrighted, it should say so there, and who the copyright holder is!. It's usually the author!.

Who is the author, and is s/he still alive!? If not, when did s/he die!?

If the author has been dead long enough, the book might be in the public domain--and thus no longer under copyright!. How long is long enough varies, depending upon when and where the book was originally published!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

If it's been more than 50 years since the author died, the book is in the public domain now!. Anyone can translate or reprint it!.

Does the publishing house no longer exist!? If they were bought by another company, that company will now own the copyright!. You will need to do some research, maybe make some phone calls, to find out!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Even if someone who wrote a book dies, it is still his, you cant publish someone else's work, Www@QuestionHome@Com

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