Are quotes copyright? Im writing a book "full of famous quotes".

I'm in the process of writing a book that I will be self publishing. It's full of famous quotes.

Just wondering would these quotes be copyright or can they be used by anybody, as they are in the public domain already?

If the author has been dead for over 70 years, they're copyright-free.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_law_of_Ireland

In addition to that posted above here are two other relevant URLs.

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Wikiquote:Copyrights
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quotation

You need to take legal advice before publishing your book.

You are wide open to pitfalls which an experienced publisher or editor would see instantly.
They would also have a legal advisor on retainer or accessible to review publications before issue.

I strongly suggest you get someone competent and experienced to read the galleys if "full of famous quotes" is an example of your ability as a wordsmith.
And be prepared to accept criticism of the prose, not just advice on copyright - good writers tell tales of rejection by editors - usually for several good reasons.

ONQ.

I would advise having a professional check them before galley stage to save time and cost. Ideally the manuscript should be copyedited before it is typeset.

In most cases copyright expires 70 years after the author's death, as stated above, but there are a few exceptions so you need to be careful.

I agree with you Sar - I assumed he was at an advanced state by now.

You cannot have too many people reviewing a new book prior to publication.

Apart from the professionals, such reviews should span the target audience.

ONQ.