04-08-2003, 08:43 PM
Hi,
Well, there isn't enough info at places like amazon to really give me a feel for a book, which is why I like to hold it in my hands and scan it with the mark one eyeball.
As to owning your books, I share that sentiment. However, we are talking about books on history, government, etc. First, there are only a few in print at a time, so many of the good ones are out of print. Second, many of the better ones never make it into paperback, so we're looking at textbook prices. Third, only a very few of the ones worth reading are worth owning. The others are mostly fill in and background.
But, yes, I suppose that you can get a good feel for what books to look for on the net, and you might even be able to get them from amazon and e-bay. But the effort of getting the *book* that way may be as great as that of getting the info you really want.
As to getting the background info off the net, I don't think that is too likely. It is probably mostly out there, but as important as info is the way it is presented. A simple listing of facts, scattered over many sites, is not going to give you the understanding that you'll get from those same facts presented with a coherent structure and explanation.
Best of luck either way :)
--Pete
Well, there isn't enough info at places like amazon to really give me a feel for a book, which is why I like to hold it in my hands and scan it with the mark one eyeball.
As to owning your books, I share that sentiment. However, we are talking about books on history, government, etc. First, there are only a few in print at a time, so many of the good ones are out of print. Second, many of the better ones never make it into paperback, so we're looking at textbook prices. Third, only a very few of the ones worth reading are worth owning. The others are mostly fill in and background.
But, yes, I suppose that you can get a good feel for what books to look for on the net, and you might even be able to get them from amazon and e-bay. But the effort of getting the *book* that way may be as great as that of getting the info you really want.
As to getting the background info off the net, I don't think that is too likely. It is probably mostly out there, but as important as info is the way it is presented. A simple listing of facts, scattered over many sites, is not going to give you the understanding that you'll get from those same facts presented with a coherent structure and explanation.
Best of luck either way :)
--Pete
How big was the aquarium in Noah's ark?