- #36
shmoe
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
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JasonRox said:The whole point is that some people flat out can't afford the books, but have the ability to read them, understand them, and make more out of the book than those who buy them.
That's why we have libraries. Even if your local college or university has awful resources, many participate in interlibrary loans. More and more solid free (legal) materials are appearing online in electric form these days, there's not much of an excuse to steal books in my opinion.
For deals on books, I've made it a habit to go into every used book store and book sale I pass. Math texts are sometimes horribly undervalued. I picked up baby rudin in an "all the books you can carry for a dollar" sale. Another good source is math departments in the spring time. I've walked past many an abandoned text that was no longer needed (free sample copies from publishers, old editions, etc.).
International editions always annoyed me being softcover. I know that's not the sole reason they are cheaper, but I would usually be willing to pay less for a softcover option. Which reminds me of Dover, good source for cheap texts. They're quality too, while I've damaged some of the covers horribly in my bag, I've never had one fall apart on me.