Stuck on which sociology book to get, help needed?

Question

I have been told the best authors are Haralambos+holborn. this was recommended by my tutor, but now im unsure of which edition... the tutors hard to get hold of, so i cant wait any longer.

but they have written over several books ,the Themes & Perspectives 5th edition was released in 2000, and another in 2004. which one should i buy?

Im doing an access course, aq a level lvl2 &3.

Answer 1

I believe I used that same book back in my undergraduate degree, many moons ago.  I would tend to advise students to go for the latest edition they can get, as there is a general tendency for books to get better as another edition is released, not worse (though there are exceptions).

Answer 2

I have the 5th edition and it's really good.  It's generally regarded as the most comprehensive sociology book available.  I had the 3rd edition previously and that was also very good.  If I were you I'd buy the most recent edition or if not the prior edition.