Absolutely! Thanks for writing a column that directly addressed some of my e-book concerns. :)

Have you checked out the Baen Free Library (http://www.baen.com/library/)? Also free stuff, but newer than public domain.

I've not started reading Eli's book, but I've been following its progress as its gotten press coverage. That's often the way I deal with nonfiction I'm interested in: I read the reviews and excerpts and wander through life about half-informed. :)