I really want to read The Generalissimo’s son by Jay Taylor but a physical copy is over $100 and a kindle version is $65. I have no idea why the author has several other books that aren’t nearly as expensive and are older books that haven’t been in print longer. I’ve checked my local library and they don’t have it either. Yes I know pirating exists and I can get a copy that way but I prefer physical copies of books.
by MidnightSun0
8 Comments
The only thing I can think of is looking on Thriftbooks? Also Pangobooks or Ebay? You might be able to make an offer and get it for cheaper.
Try an inter-library loan. Your local librarian should be able to help you with that.
There are some places (abebooks.com, ebay) that have it for around $70. If you’re set on getting a physical copy, that’s about what you’re going to pay it would seem.
Out of print books can be expensive
See the comment below about interlibrary loan. But if you’re intent on owning a copy, then your best option is probably setting up an eBay auto-alert search, and moving quickly when/if a cheap copy pops up. I found that it only takes a couple of people to be actively looking for the same thing to drive the price up, so this can sometimes take a couple of tries.
Charity shops especially those that specialise in books.
Old quirky bookshops, secondhand bookshops etc, don’t always know the value of their books etc. Or do and don’t want to fleece fellow book lovers.
It can make for a fun adventure and quest.
Honestly, there’s no real easy way to get a hold of such books that doesn’t involve a bit of a scavenger hunt. Keep an eye on Biblio.com (I find they can often be cheaper with books in better condition than Thriftbooks or sometimes even Ebay…at least if you’re not American, anyway). Continue browsing used bookstore whenever you come across them, hidden gems can sometimes pop up for cheap.
Edit: also concur with the folks who say inter-library loan. Or if you’re a student or alumni from a university a university library may have a higher chance of having it. Or a larger public reference library rather than regular public library branch.
Sometimes if you google, it tells you which libraries have copies. Then you can see if your library can order it from a library that does have it.
Or with certain books, university libraries have copies, and might make some arrangement if you say you need the book for research.