Comment by bluGill

Comment by bluGill 4 days ago

On that note, does anyone have a copy of "The C programing language" (first edition) that isn't falling apart because the acid paper is decaying? I was referring to my copy the other day and it is clear the days I own that book are numbered because of planned obsolesce in the 1970s. I never bought the second edition, but if I did I'm sure it too would be falling apart from age before my likely death.

tartoran 4 days ago

First edition may be collectible regardless of condition. And as well as newer editions it is resalable. Can you sell an used ebook you bought? How about can you buy an used ebook?

Reply View 1 reply

bluGill 4 days ago

I don't have it because it is collectable. I have it because it is a great book and I still refer to it once in a while. (mostly I can find what I need on the web, but once in a while what K&R really said is important - though mostly for online arguments)

Reply View | 0 replies

dokyun 4 days ago

I got a lightly used copy off Amazon, along with "The UNIX programming environment" a year or two ago, probably. They're both fine with only a bit of wear, but I don't think they were ever of a super sturdy binding that would hold up well under heavy abuse.

Reply View 1 reply

bluGill 3 days ago

The binding isn't great, but on my copy the pages themselves are getting brittle. In a few more years if I touch them they will fall to little pieces.

Reply View | 0 replies

spc476 3 days ago

I have a copy of the second edition from 1990, still in good condition (and a finer print job than later editions [1]).

[1] https://boston.conman.org/2002/07/23.1

Reply View 0 replies