The major difference between new and old books is their condition. A used book might have dents, scratches, torn or bent pages, and be faded. Compared to a new book, the content is the same, however. Of course, if a book has been updated, the used book might not have the new material (i.e. foreword, etc.).
In college, I’d purchase used textbooks to save money. Some of the textbooks didn’t even seem that much different compared to the new copy. I’d find a coffee stain and a torn page here and there, dented corners, but that was it. It saved me about 50% or more too.
When there is a used book sale, I’d go to them and search through all the books until I found the ones I wanted. The discount was incredible compared to a new book. The quality might not be as good as a new book, but I didn’t mind it. Truth be told, I’d read the book once and not pick it up again unless it was a favorite book of mine.
I look at used books in the same way as a borrowed or loaner book. The book has been used already, but owning a new copy isn’t the point. The point is to read the book, to experience what it has to offer. It’s similar to checking out a library book, although a library book might change hands so a lot more times by the time we check it out.
Used books are inexpensive, and are a great option for reading a book if the goal is simply to do just that and not own something that is a mint condition.
Fallton Havenstonne 