I have the same issue here in the UK.

Google should have a Google US-centric blog. It is just plain wrong to combine messages to the world and USA-only messages on one blog.

This is for all americans: The USA isn't the entire and only world.

Try to click on link to library
all links are forbidden .. weired

Actually I think as long as they stick a "US-only" badge on top of these things which links to an explanation just *why* this is missing, people would be fine (for their blog posts too). I'm curious to hear their reasons tho: e.g. Bram Stoker's Dracula is public domain in Germany too, so nothing should stop them from showing this in Germany. And as their servers are in the US, doesn't that mean they only need to stick to US laws in the first place?

Many of these "scary stories" are available globally via the World e-Book Library. All in PDF. In fact, they even have two editions of the Dracula. :-).

For example:
Here are two editions of Dracula that Philipp was able to access in Germany.

http://digbig.com/4nmxk

http://digbig.com/4nmxm

The World eBook LIbrary offers access to over 500,000 titles, even some audio books and mobile books.
http://www.worldebookfair.com/

This month access to the entire library is free. Otherwise it's only $8.95 for the entire year.

While it's very cool what Google is doing in terms of scanning, I've noticed that some of the versions available here are easier to read online.

Would the Googlers know why it doesn't work? Do they actually block it from foreign countries, or is it a problem with how their system is set up?

In addition to the World eBook Fair and Library (all free) where many of these stories are available in PDF (see my comments) above
for free, http://www.worldbookfair.com

I've noticed several of these books being available in PDF via ebrary.
http://shop.ebrary.com

ebrary.com offers FREE COMPLETE access to more than 20,000 titles. All complete versions. No limited previews. View as much as you want online. Only pay to copy or print a page.
Notes:
1) You will need to put a min of $5 on a credit card as a deposit. Then, if you want to print/copy a page, it's deducted from your card.

So, this is also a type of micropayment concept we will see elsewhere.

2) I am NOT sure if these materials are available outside of the U.S.
I would be interested to know.

ebrary is run by the founder of Adobe's son, Christopher Warnock.

Google answered me why the stories are missing in Germany and other countries:

<<Google Book Search is designed to comply with international copyright laws, not just U.S. laws. In general, we take a very conservative approach to copyright compliance both in the U.S. and around the world. Where copyright status is in question, we do not enable Full View access or downloading. We try to make sure that's clear in our announcements because we know people internationally will be accessing the site.>>

Oh well. Why don't they just research the copyright status for top countries (measured by Google usage)?