By Irene Chow
     In the United States, the development of online bookstores has already matured, and keen competition exists. A price war has been going on since May. Book prices are now 20 to 40 percent off.
     Here are some foreign bookstores’ homepage addresses:

• Amazon.com — http://www.amazon.com

     Amazon.com claims to be “the earth’s largest bookstore.” Books are up to 40 percent off due to the price war.
     In October, it celebrated serving its one-millionth customer.

• Barnes and Noble — http://www.barnes&noble.com.

     Barns and Noble claims to be “the world’s largest bookseller online.” Over 1 million titiles can be found here. It also provides personalized book recommendations.

• Tattered Cover — http://www.tatteredcover.com

     Tattered Cover has been an independent bookstore for 25 years. Its Internet site opened in 1995, and it provides over half a million books.

• Book Stacks Unlimited — http://www.books.com/scripts/news.exe

     Book Stacks was established in 1992. A discussion corner is available for customers. People can join its Frequent Buyer Club for further discounts.
     Besides these general bookstores, there are bookstores that cover special topics including cooking, animals, engineering and even gay and leisbian issues.