Wrong edition for class?

Question

I was just wondering if there was a listing of the chapters in the new edition so I could compare. Its pretty much just the pages that are off. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

To be sure if you have to use the most current edition, check with your professor. I say this because some of the texts I use HAVE to be the correct edition because of the vast differences in content. This is especially true with texts that have current events-type things/articles.

I do mostly use regular books where I encourage students to find cheap used or previous editions because there really isn't much of a difference between one edition to the next, but I would not recommend getting the 1st edition if the book is on the 3rd or above edition. There would be a lot of differences between those.

It really is a huge money making scheme for the publisher, especially if they have access codes, because even if you buy used, you will STILL have to buy a freaking access code from the publisher if you need to use the Internet resources. I have one text that came out in 2006, the publisher made some stupid "special" edition that is EXACTLY the same content, but has some retarded Internet component that I won't use. Oh, yeah, on top of that, there's a new edition coming out in October, which is basically the same as the one that came out in 2006. So anyone that bought the "special" edition won't be able to sell it back and anyone taking the class next semester will have to buy a new book again.

I am so fed up with the publishers that I have 1/2 a mind to ask the students to donate the books that they can't sell back to me so I can do lending library for subsequent semesters. I do not know why the bookstore didn't buy the 2006 books back when I specifically told them students could use them again.

So, sorry for the rant, but please don't blame the professors. We really do try to get decent books at decent prices that won't change editions so quickly.

Bottom Line: Check with your professor to see if the older edition is ok or not. They would be able to tell you if you need to get another book or not.  

Answer 2

Usually the new edition will have a section in the front or back that will explain the difference from the previous editions.

Publishers mostly come out with new editions just as an excuse to sell new textbooks.  Most of the time the differences are very minor or simply cosmetic.  That being said, you'll probably be ok with a previous edition.