Cheap Old Books to Buy for Math Understanding

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The discussion centers around the cost of shipping versus the price of books, particularly in the context of purchasing "Elements of Real Analysis" by David A. Sprecher from Amazon. The user expresses frustration at paying more for shipping than the book itself and considers buying additional books to qualify for free shipping. They seek recommendations for affordable, older books on topics such as Axiomatic Set Theory, Diophantine Equations, Logic, and Real Analysis, aiming to build a foundational understanding of mathematics. Suggestions include Dover Publications' reprints, which are noted for their low prices. A specific recommendation for a proof-oriented book is made, which is also inexpensive and qualifies for free shipping. The conversation also touches on the overwhelming selection of Dover books and the utility of the Dover Publications website for narrowing down choices. Additionally, a mention of Book Depository highlights its competitive pricing and free worldwide shipping, although there are minor concerns about packaging quality for paperback orders.
TylerH
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I'm ordering Elements of Real Analysis (David A. Sprecher) from Amazon and find the fact that I'm paying more for shipping than the book counter intuitive. I'll probably end up buying more books later, so why not buy them and save on shipping(Amazon has free shipping for 25+)? So, my [non-rhetorical] question is: what are some cheap, old, but good books I should buy?

I'm interested in:
  • Axiomatic Set Theory
  • Diophantine Equations(and similar Number Theory)
  • Logic(the concept of nth-Order and the concept of Axiomatic Systems)
  • Real Analysis
Basically, my goal is to understand math from a base level where there is a small set of axioms from which everything can be derived. Or... if my understanding of Godel's Incompleteness Theorem is correct, and it is impossible to find a base level of math, then I want to learn everything it takes to come to terms with it.
 
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Also, if there are any books for Real Analysis that are considered better than the one I'm getting, please tell me.
 
You could search Amazon Books for Dover Publications mathematics. That will return lots of inexpensive Dover reprints on the subjects you listed above, plus many more.
 
If you don't have much experience with proofs, I would recommend you get the $7 copy of this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0130332674/?tag=pfamazon01-20

that qualifies for free shipping as well. The beginning of this book is great for teaching about proofs, and the rest of the book presents elementary analysis (which is all I know ...). If you are already comfortable with this, then igore my post!

otherwise, I agree with previous poster.

jason
 
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Jason: Great suggestion, thanks. I'm buying it.

Petek: Also great, but WAY too large of a selection for an self learner. I've picked out https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486682528/?tag=pfamazon01-20 and I'm looking for one more.

Any suggestions on books about spaces or abstract algebra? (Possibly one of the 20 or so from Dover.)
 
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Ashuron said:
well the answer for your question is...
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/
Yes, I love those guys. I don't know how they manage to have lower prices than Amazon on most things AND free shipping worldwide (with no minimum order).

My only (small) complaint is that the bubble envelope they send small orders in doesn't protect the corners of paperbacks (like Dover) very well. Other than that, they are brilliant.
 

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