You can buy everything you need from Transair pilot shop. You can geta PPL 'kit' for about £180. This includes lots of books, kneeboard, map, flight bag, rulers, pens, in fact everything you need to start off on your ppl. Look at the web-site for more details.
If you cannot afford this then I would take the advice of others here and wait until you can. As for 'cutting corners' as has been mentioned here then where do you stop. If your trying to get your books on the cheap, I,E, cutting corners then where does this stop...maintenance, fuel, updated maps.....the list goes on and there are many of us on here who don't wish to meet you 'coming the other way'. Have a good look at your finances before you take the plunge. If money is a problem then wait. If not then do everything by the book like everyone else has. It will make you a better pilot for it.
Good luck and keep us posted here how you get on.