Grant Erwin wrote:
... How to read
them before buying? Simple - you check them out of your local library! ...

I have not had much success finding books in the library that have been
mentioned here, even with ILL. I remember once doing a nation-wide
library search without finding the book.

An alternative to the library for reading-before-buying is eBay
"rental". Buy a used one on eBay, being careful to not pay more than
the going rate. Read it and then re-sell it on eBay. On the average it
will cost shipping and seller fees.

Bob