I'm not aware of any pure-Java library that can accomplish this.  You
can use the OpenOffice bean, or you can use JACOB to actually use Word
to display the document.

In either case, you'll need to sign the applet and get permission to do
so from the user.

A third potential option is to convert the Word document to a different
format prior to providing it to the applet.  You'll find more luck
displaying some non-proprietary formats like HTML or PDF.

I would google for a class. I gather you have already tried that.

Try looking for an RTF renderer.  MS changes its DOC format more often
than Bill changes his underwear. For years they tried to keep it a
proprietary secret.  The specs may be published by now.

If that fails try writing your own RTF renderer, or some subset.

I think Acrobat can eat Word documents and produced PDF. Perhaps there
lies some sort of solution there.  Word itself can produce HTML
documents.  The HTML is so ugly it will make you barf, but you might
have a chance of rendering it.

Word can also be teased into producing printer documents.  You might
find PostScript or HP Laserjet format more tractable.

In a pinch you can spawn word itself, or a word viewer and have it
render the document.