If a publisher is selling a book written before 1923, is it safe to assume its not in public domain?

Question

I found the full text of the book, Creative Abundance: The Psychology of Ability and Plenty by Bernard C. Ruggles listed on Google Books public domain section, but then found it being sold on Amazon.com. I did a search on the Library of Congress and couldn't find the copyright. I found several books like that. Could I create a derivative of this book to sell under my name?

http://books.google.com/books?id=8j5IAAAAIAAJ&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Abundance-Psychology-Ability-Plenty/dp/0554667002/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1223248072&sr=1-1

http://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=creative+abundance&Search_Code=TALL&PID=MQlUdNTxixvZkkvYZ2dPUaVTbiit6&SEQ=20081005184022&CNT=25&HIST=1

Answer 1

If I remember correctly, a publisher copywrites his edition of a book that is otherwise in the public domain. There are many editions put out by several different publishers and they can all be just a little different (this is one reson why teachers have students buy a particular edition by a particular publisher). I've noticed this more in piano music than books, but I suppose it;s similar.

Answer 2

There are a ton of books that are in the public domain that are still in print. The publishers usually just copyright the title page and print up the book.

Answer 3

you could but you would still have to claim it as a re write or copy of a 1923 book that has been up graded or changed by you changing at least one thing, not taking full credit for your self. good luck