Any value to Spivak's Differential Geometry set?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of Spivak's A Comprehensive Introduction to Differential Geometry, specifically focusing on both its monetary and intellectual worth. Participants explore the market for the complete five-volume set and share their experiences and assumptions regarding its popularity and accessibility.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the monetary value of the complete five-volume set, noting difficulty in finding comparable sales.
  • Another participant confirms the existence of a listing for the entire set at $175 plus shipping, suggesting it may be a good deal based on individual volume prices.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the series' popularity and their own ability to engage with the material, with one participant mentioning a lack of understanding despite recognizing the series' quality.
  • There is a clarification regarding the initial inquiry being about monetary value rather than intellectual or pedagogic value, which some participants assumed was the focus.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the difficulty of assessing the monetary value of the set, with some expressing assumptions about its intellectual value. However, there is no consensus on the overall worth or appeal of the series.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the prevalence of individual volume sales compared to complete sets, indicating a potential limitation in market availability. There is also an acknowledgment of personal limitations in understanding the material, which may affect perceptions of value.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the valuation of academic texts, particularly in mathematics and differential geometry, as well as those considering the purchase or sale of Spivak's work.

toozie21
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I have the hardback 5 volume set of Spivak's A Comprehensive Introduction to Differential Geometry that is in pretty good shape. Is there any value to that set? I tried looking it up, but I don't really see many people selling whole sets, so I can't tell...

Thanks.
 
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toozie21 said:
I have the hardback 5 volume set of Spivak's A Comprehensive Introduction to Differential Geometry that is in pretty good shape. Is there any value to that set? I tried looking it up, but I don't really see many people selling whole sets, so I can't tell...

Thanks.

Most places seem to sell individual volumes. I found one listing that was selling the entire set:

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/Boo...hensive+Introduction+to+Differential+Geometry

From looking at the prices of individual volumes, this listing looked like it was a good deal. ($175 + shipping)
 
Good fine. I had looked on abebooks, but didn't see that. It seems like a popular series (I really don't know much about it), but like you pointed out, it seems to almost always be sold individually.
 
Well, I went ahead and posted it on ebay, we shall see what turns up. Thanks.
 
oh you meant monetary value. since this is a math site i naturally assumed you meant intellectual and pedagogic value.
 
mathwonk said:
oh you meant monetary value. since this is a math site i naturally assumed you meant intellectual and pedagogic value.
Yeah, that was my fault. It seemed like a popular series and a well done setup; sadly, I am just not intelligent enough to follow it!
 
have you opened it? surely some parts appeal to you. you seem intelligent.
 

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