e-books

An e-book is a book that has been published digitally. The format often imitates a print book (i.e. text only, or text and small illustrations) although there have been experiments with adding extra content to new releases (a little like special features on a DVD).

E-books can be read on computers, mobile devices such as some phones and MP4 players, and specialised devices called e-readers. There are a number of file types used for e-books, the most common being: plain text and html, PDF, EPUB, Amazon AZW (Kindle), Microsoft LIT and Mobipocket.

Lots of major publishing houses are now releasing e-books simultaneously with print books. Peculiarly the digital versions aren't much cheaper despite the fact they cut the publishers printing and distribution costs (and you can bet the writers aren't getting a bigger cut).

There are many many more free, out of copyright, e-books than it would be possible to read in a lifetime.

Project Gutenberg is a great place to start.

If that isn't enough for you try this guide to free e-books.