[orty]

A somewhat shameful pastime of mine has been to rumage through bookstore trashcans. Though dirty, it has led to some really great finds. For instance, I found an 'almost' complete set of the Encyclopedia Americana, Joseph Conrad's "The Secret Agent", and about 70-80 other keepers. One of my most interesting finds, however, was an old anthology of short stories called "Sword and Sorcery". Edited by L. Sprague De Camp, it contains stories by Henry Kuttner, Poul Anderson, H.P. Lovecraft, Robert E. Howard, Fritz Lieber, Clark Ashton Smith, etc. It also has some interesting illlustrations at the beginning of each story and the cover art is very cool. I'm wondering if anybody else has seen this book or has found another equally interesting volume? Tell me about your unusual finds.:)

[Shanoncia]

An interesting find for me was an old book siting all alone on a park bunch loaded with classic old stories like Lenigen and the Ants, the most dangerous game and to build a fire...

[estranghero]

Love going through the used books stores in my country, since people here aren't really much book-readers.

Some of the good stuff I've found include:

Poul Anderson's 'The Broken Sword'
Robert Holdstock's 'Mythago Wood'
Tim Power's 'Last Call'
a number of 'Thieve's World' books
Harlan Ellison's 'Strangewine'
a number of Michael Moorcock's 'Elric' books
Jack Vance's 'Lyonesse' and 'The Green Pearl'
etc., etc.

However, I couldn't pick up all of these so of those mentioned, I've got the 'Thieve's World', Ellison, and Vance...

[Belgarion]

I am a wanderer when it comes to hunting for used books.

I like to roam around the country entering every possibly used bookshop!

I have discovered several gems already, there are too many to name.


I believe hunting for used books is more fun than purchasing a brand new book from Amazon or any other sources.:cool:

[Killer Chicken]

I believe hunting for used books is more fun than purchasing a brand new book from Amazon or any other sources

Really? I personally love that new book feel myself. I've never bought a used book and I hope that I never have to.

[fortytwo]

I'm like Belgarion in that I also search out second hand books.Not only a lot cheaper (means you can buy more !)but you can pick up out of print and rare books.I have found many books that weren't published in the uk this way.

42

[Belgarion]

Absolutely spot on 42!

I have discovered several out of prints books and I treasure and cherish them on my shelf :cool:

Give me 2nd hand books any day:)

[Killer Chicken]

Don't get me wrong, I'll buy a second hand book if I can't find it new. But I would much rather have a new book if possible. I don't want to read something that may be damaged, I'm a little obcessive about keeping my books nice. I don't mind paying more for a new book. I especially love the new book smell. Okay, I know, I smell my books, is there anything wrong with that?

[birhutanuh]

god no, killer chicken!
its like savouring food; smell is half the delight!

[Belgarion]

Killer Chicken, you do have a point. But hey, the previous owner of the book could have been someone like Cameron Diaz:D