Amazon.com today launched a beta version of “Kindle for the Web,” allowing users to sample books directly through browsers without having to download anything.

To promote the offering, Amazon is allowing bloggers and website owners in its Amazon Associates Program to be part of Kindle for the Web by embedding samples of books on their websites. Website owners will earn referral fees from Amazon when users buy books using the links on their websites.

Users can click the “Read first chapter Free” button on a book product page on Amazon or on other websites, and the first chapter will open within the web page. Users can change the font size and line spacing, adjust the background color, and share their favorite books with others via, Facebook, Twitter, and email without leaving the book in the browser.

“With Kindle for the Web, it’s easier than ever for customers to sample Kindle books – there’s no downloading or installation required,” said Dorothy Nicholls, Director, Amazon Kindle.

“Kindle for the Web is also a great way for bloggers and authors to promote books on their websites by letting visitors read a chapter without leaving their site.”