Quote:
Originally Posted by edwest2
Goodreads is owned by Amazon.
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Amazon has owned ABE (Advanced Book Exchange) since 2008.
As many of you know Amazon began its on-line business in 1995 by selling various media, including new & used books.
Book Depository was founded in 2004 by an ex-Amazon employee. It was acquired in 2011 by . . . Amazon(!) which recently closed the business on April 26, 2023.
Yes, the online book business seems like one big Bezos monopoly today. Several specialty aviation publishers (Aeronaut Books, Mention the War Ltd, Dawdle Publishing etc) who have switched to "Print on Demand" are distributed exclusively though Amazon which utilizes new generation POD printers. Despite this sophisticated technology it seems that Amazon is unwilling to competently package your $80 book to protect it from the unavoidable bumps, drops and occasional crushing that happens during shipment.
Anyway, my copy of
Nakajima Ki-49 'Helen' Units should arrive in the next day or two. The table of contents is certainly promising.
Table of Contents
1. Ki-49 Design and Development
2. Organisation of IJAAF heavy bomber units and pilot training
3. Battle of Burma
4. Raids against Darwin and northern Australia
5. Papua New Guinea
6. Battle of the Philippines
7. Final 'Helen' Missions
Appendices:
- Unit listings
- Comprehensive plate commentaries
Index