Skip to main content
Glama

Popular Public-Domain Books

books.gutendex.popular
Read-onlyIdempotent

Retrieve the most-downloaded books from Project Gutenberg, optionally filtered by language code or subject. Ideal for exploring classic literature.

Instructions

List most-downloaded Project Gutenberg books, optionally filtered by language or topic. Gutendex MIT

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
languageNoOptional ISO 639-1 language code to filter (e.g. "en").
topicNoOptional subject/bookshelf to filter (e.g. "Adventure").
limitNoMax results to return (default 20, max 50).

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultNoTool response payload. Shape varies per tool — consult the tool description and inputSchema. May be an object, array, string, or number depending on the upstream provider response.
errorNoPresent only when the call failed. Includes error code, message, request_id, and any provider-specific extras.
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, so the description adds minimal behavioral context (only mentions source 'Gutendex MIT'). No contradictions, but no additional details on pagination, rate limits, or response structure.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single concise sentence that front-loads the core purpose, followed by optional details and source. Every word is purposeful with no redundancy.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the presence of an output schema and full schema coverage for parameters, the description sufficiently captures the tool's purpose and basic filtering. Minor omission: does not explicitly mention ordering by downloads, though 'most-downloaded' implies it.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100% with clear descriptions for all three parameters. The description echoes the filtering options but does not add new semantic meaning beyond the schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states 'List most-downloaded Project Gutenberg books' with specific verb and resource. Optional filters are mentioned, and it distinguishes itself from sibling tools like search or single book lookup by focusing on popularity.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies use for browsing popular books with optional filters, but does not explicitly guide when to use this tool over siblings like 'books.gutendex.search' or 'books.gutendex.by_author'. No exclusion criteria are provided.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Install Server

Other Tools

Latest Blog Posts

MCP directory API

We provide all the information about MCP servers via our MCP API.

curl -X GET 'https://glama.ai/api/mcp/v1/servers/whiteknightonhorse/APIbase'

If you have feedback or need assistance with the MCP directory API, please join our Discord server