Welcome to Alan's Used Books
Browse our used books by title, author, keyword (above) or by general topic (on the left).
Email us with any questions [email protected]
We are an online mail-order used bookstore operated by Gwen Foss, located in suburban Detroit, Michigan. We have been in business since 1990.
Alan's Used Books specializes in nonfiction: history, science, anthropology, religion, theology, occult, songbooks, hobbies, crafts, automotive, toy car catalogs, bizarre humor, other topics. We also have a smattering of interesting and unusual literature, fiction, poetry, children's books, records and other media.
Secure payments: We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover via our secure website; or personal checks, business checks, or money orders by mail, provided they are drawn in US funds. Checks should be made payable to Alan's Used Books.
Phone orders: You can order by phone during regular business hours Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, US Eastern (New York) time. Phone number is at bottom of page or click on menu to contact us. Please, if you plan to phone us, jot down the Seller ID number for each item.
Shipping fees: Media Mail starts at $3.90 within the US. Total shipping for your order will be calculated based on size, weight and destination of your order. We always combine shipping and reduce your shipping fee to a fair price. We do not gouge on shipping.
Shipping destinations: We ship anywhere. We use the United States Postal Service. Our shipping fees are based directly on their cost to us.
Wrapping: We will wrap your item in paper and seal it, with boxboard or corrugated cardboard, in an untearable Tyvek envelope; thicker books will be placed in a sandwich of corrugated cardboard in a Tyvek envelope; large heavy books will go in a sturdy box.
Gift wrapping: Send us a message, a comment or email us to request gift wrapping. We will use plain red, plain purple, or plaid paper. No extra fee for gift wrapping.
Refunds: We seldom have unhappy customers but when we do we handle refunds promptly. 100% satisfaction.
We specialize in nonfiction: history, science, anthropology, religion, occult, theology, songbooks, hobbies, crafts, automotive, toy car catalogs, bizarre humor and other topics. We also have a smattering of interesting and unusual literature, fiction, poetry, children's books, records and other media. To see everything, select Browse by Category.