What is it?
Google Books is a massive digital library that lets you search millions of books and view portions of their content online. Depending on the book's copyright status, you may be able to read the full text, preview selected pages, or see only basic information like the table of contents and a few snippets.
Why use it?
Google Books is excellent for quickly checking whether a book contains relevant information about your progressive before you commit to finding the physical copy. You can search inside books for specific keywords, read sample chapters, and view tables of contents and indexes to determine if a book is worth tracking down. To narrow results, use the "Tools" dropdown menu to filter your search by view, document type, or time periods. This saves you time by helping you identify the most useful sources.
Keep in mind
Most books only offer limited previews, not full access, so Google Books works best as a research tool to help you decide which books to pursue rather than as your primary source for information. Always note the publication information so you can find the complete book through your school library, public library, or WorldCat if it seems valuable.