23 December 2005
	ONLINE BOOK ORDERS Hugh Knight, Tokai.

In one of the book reviews (Arts & Leisure December 16) Richard Steyn advised that a particular book was not readily available in SA, and could be ordered through Amazon.com. With due respect to Amazon.com's reputation, ordering through one of the SA online book suppliers may be a more pleasant experience, if only in eliminating the awkward and costly debate with Post Office officials who want to collect one or more taxes from you before handing over the book(s). You also pay lower prices than those charged in conventional bookshops. With most SA online sites, nervous holders of credit cards are able to pay for their books by direct bank credit. You also avoid the sneaky charge that the credit card companies slip through for a foreign exchange transaction. I have had satisfactory dealings with the following sites: www.kalahari.net, www.loot.co.za and www.oneworldbooks.com. Some of the sites also have a wonderful facility called the wish list, where you record titles that you would like to have, in order that family and friends may see what you want by entering your e-mail addresses.