The Best Free Fantasy Books in the Public Domain: A Reader's Guide

The public domain is home to many classic fantasy novels that are available for free, making them a great option for readers looking to explore the genre without spending money. These books have stood the test of time and continue to be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Here's a guide to some of the best free fantasy books in the public domain:

1. "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum (1900) - This beloved children's novel tells the story of a young girl named Dorothy who is swept away to a magical land filled with witches, talking animals, and a wizard. It is widely considered to be one of the first American fantasy novels for children.

2. "The King of Elfland's Daughter" by Lord Dunsany (1924) - This classic fantasy novel tells the story of a mortal man who falls in love with the elven princess of Elfland and must journey to her realm to win her hand in marriage. It is considered to be one of the earliest examples of modern fantasy literature.

3. "The Sword in the Stone" by T.H. White (1938) - This Arthurian fantasy novel tells the story of the young King Arthur and his journey to become the rightful king of England. It is widely considered to be one of the best retellings of the Arthurian legend.

4. "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien (1937) - This classic fantasy novel tells the story of hobbit Bilbo Baggins and his unexpected journey to the Lonely Mountain with a company of dwarves to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug.

5. "The Worm Ouroboros" by E.R. Eddison (1922) - This high fantasy novel is set in a parallel world that is inhabited by humans, as well as various other races such as demons and deities. It is considered to be a masterpiece of imaginative literature and one of the earliest examples of modern fantasy.

These novels can be found for free in Project Gutenberg, Librivox and other online libraries that offer free public domain books. These novels offer a rich and diverse collection of stories that can introduce readers to the world of fantasy literature, and they are a great way to explore the genre without spending money.