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I've just returned Principles of Modern Thermodynamics to the library. However, it is a terrific book that allowed me to understand thermodynamics that I have never would had I not run across this book. I have tried to purchase it, but it seems that this book is out of print. Therefore, my question is: are there any vendors that might offer officially out-of-print books for sale?

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    Have you considered the "sequel" written by the same author? I assume since you've read the original book, you can tell how closely this one matches that one. Not the same book, but might be just as helpful. wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470843160.html#
    – Compass
    Jul 3, 2015 at 7:08
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    Abebooks (a shared platform for secondhand booksellers) is usually as good a bet as any for OOP material.
    – Andrew is gone
    Jul 3, 2015 at 7:24
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    finding an out-of-print book shouldn't be a bleak affair Well, in my personal experience, it can be extremely difficult. I have been searching a math book for over 5 years. I eventually get to see most of it on Google Books. But, it's not the same as a real paper book. I checked both ebay and Abebooks for you. Indeed, I couldn't find anyone who is selling this book.
    – Nobody
    Jul 3, 2015 at 8:08
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    @Kimball, your statement is not true in the US at all. Being in print currently has no effect on the copyright status. You might be able to make a Fair Use argument that since the book is out of print, your copying it did not impact the market for the book. But that's an argument that you would need to make in court when defending yourself against a lawsuit. The odds of such a lawsuit are low, but there is no provision that makes your suggestion specifically legal.
    – Bill Barth
    Jul 3, 2015 at 15:24
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    @BillBarth Hmm... some sites say it falls under fair use (e.g. fairuse.stanford.edu/overview/… ask.library.ship.edu/faq/17387 ) but some find it debatable. I suppose one could request permission from the publisher first if one wants to be safe.
    – Kimball
    Jul 3, 2015 at 15:53

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There is a number of websites that specialize on out-of-print or rare books. Those sites include BookFinder, used books section on AddALL, rare or out-of-print section on The Bookloft and others. In your particular case, the book that you're looking for (the 1995 edition of B. N. Roy's Principles of Modern Thermodynamics) can be easily found for sale on Amazon UK site via BookFinder and via AddALL. Here's the resulting URL: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0750300191.

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    Thanks. Now, I know how to better find an out-of-print book.
    – Nobody
    Jul 3, 2015 at 9:15
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    There's also Alibris, I've bought from them many used books (actually the books arrive from partnering bookstores).
    – Massimo Ortolano
    Jul 3, 2015 at 9:28
  • @MassimoOrtolano: Yes, I'm aware of it, I just didn't want to list more, hence "and others". +1
    – Aleksandr Blekh
    Jul 3, 2015 at 10:42
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    You can also ask in a regular book store. Often they have access to special antiquarian databases.
    – jofel
    Jul 3, 2015 at 11:55

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