I bought Eragon from Amazon.jp. It is used, was reported as in fair condition, and cost 1円, and 250円 shipping. It is the most beautiful book I've ever owned. No, it's not leather-bound, but it's nicer than if it had been.
Despite expecting a worn paperback, I recieved a well cared for hardcover. The paper cover has only a little wear on the edges. The cover art appears to be identical to the original as published in 2003, but Saphira's scales are lined with a shiny blue foil. Actually, what was most eye-catching at first was the silver band around the lower part of the book, but that was just a paper ad saying how well the book sold, etc. I also noticed the book had an attached cloth bookmark of shiny silver. Opening the book, the prologue (which takes place at night) pages are negatives of the normal pages, every one of which has a mountain range bordering the bottom. I looked for the glossary (of all the made up words) that is in the back of the English version and couldn't find it. I later discover that the inside of the dust jacket, while protecting a plain, but smart smooth, blue cover, has a map of Alagaesia printed on it's inside, with the glossary arranged around it on the inner flaps. The map (black printed on blue) has the route taken in the book marked in white.
All these pretty, and nifty features, as well as being in better condition them most books that pass through my possession, for the price of about two and a half American dollars is pretty fucking awesome. I'm psyched, and I can feel my grades dropping already. Sadly, this book is too nice for what I originally intended for it: to be a learning book I could write in. So, I shall just have to keep a paper reference sheet with the damn thing. As a bookmark perhaps. Gonna figure that out as I go.
Oh, and did I mention I paid for it at 711? Yeah, you can do that in Japan. Pay for online goods with cash at convenience stores. I could have even had it delivered there if I wanted.
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