Website with cheap used physics/math texts?

  • Thread starter Thread starter andrewkg
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on finding reliable sources for purchasing old physics and math textbooks, specifically those that are not Amazon. Participants recommend several websites, with abebooks highlighted as a top choice for its extensive selection and competitive prices. Other suggested platforms include Valore Books, Half.com, DealOZ.com for price comparisons, and allbookstores.com for broader searches. Some users express skepticism about university libraries selling books cheaply, arguing that they would prefer to sell them for higher prices online. The conversation also notes that while prices for certain texts have increased over the years, options like Betterworldbooks.com and Alibris.com are mentioned for their unique offerings. Overall, the thread emphasizes the importance of exploring various online resources to find affordable academic texts.
andrewkg
Messages
86
Reaction score
0
Hello I was just wondering I anyone knew of a good site to get old physics and math texts, at whatever age from new to 70+ years, possible a site that conects university libraries wishing to clean out texts. Also not just into calc and intro physics but assortments of intermediate to advanced topics. Please not amazon!
Thanks!
Also if this is not in the specific section, please do not infract me I thought this was an acceptable place to post this question.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Why not Amazon? You are not going to find a better place for what you are looking for.
 
abebooks try it. very cheap.
 
Amazon, abebooks and ebay. But amazon has some amazing prices if you know how to look. I recently got 6 texts from them recently including 2 new books (Dover ed.s), 1 used book printed in 2012 (sold for 80 new), and 2 older used books for less than 35$ shipped total.
 
The only reason I say not amazon itis because I have viewed most of the cheap books they have on there. I was curious if there was a sure that sold books universities were getting rid of for only a couple bucks.
 
Why would a uni library sell its old books for $2, if they can get $20 through amazon or ebay? Plus there would be the cost of paying somebody to run up their own e-commerce site, etc.
 
I have gotten a lot of books that way the books aren't perfect usually very old, but I like them. I just wanted to know if there was a site for this. Their actual value is usual only a couple dollars.
 
phinds said:
Why not Amazon? You are not going to find a better place for what you are looking for.

I think there are plenty places better than Amazon. Most of my texts were bought from Abe books, Valore books or Half.com.

A good thing to use is www.DealOZ.com. Its a metasearch engine that will search Amazon, Half and many others.
 
allbookstores.com is another site that searches a number of different vendors (including used books at amazon) for price comparison.
 
  • #10
TextbooksRus.com
 
  • #11
abebooks is my standard place. Over the years it is by far the best and most comprehensive site. But if their offering is not cheap enough, I also try amazon. One useful thing about amazon is their good return policy. just try searching abebooks for an old book you want and see for yourself.

they have resnick and halliday for $3.49 from a few decades ago.

abebooks is my standard place. Over the years it is by far the best and most comprehensive site. But if their offering is not cheap enough, I also try amazon. One useful thing about amazon is their good return policy. just try searching abebooks for an old book you want and see for yourself.

e.g. here is resnick and halliday from a few decades ago, for $3.49 .

But the prices have gone up a lot in the past decade or so. LNM volumes that used to sell for $5. have been seen for over $100 more recently. Booksellers have learned that science types really want those good books.
 
Last edited:
  • #12
I've tried a few places. Notably:
Betterworldbooks.com (You can also donate to reduce the carbon footprint due to your shipment)
Alibris.com
Goodwillbooks.com (Less selection, but some gems)
 

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
5K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
0
Views
663
Back
Top