Finding out the difference between editions of textbooks?

**Red_Lizard2** · 01-18-12, 05:16 PM

Curious if there is somewhere that can list or at least give an idea what the difference is between two editions of a textbook? For one of my classes they are using the newer version of the book which is about $50 after shipping, while I can get the previous edition for like $10, the problem being I have no idea if the previous edition will work for the class (primarily need the questions and readings to be the same). Any way to find out without having to waste money?

**Alundil** · 01-18-12, 05:25 PM

Publisher's site?

Sent via highly charged bolt of electricity.

**AetheLove** · 01-18-12, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by Red_Lizard2

Curious if there is somewhere that can list or at least give an idea what the difference is between two editions of a textbook? For one of my classes they are using the newer version of the book which is about $50 after shipping, while I can get the previous edition for like $10, the problem being I have no idea if the previous edition will work for the class (primarily need the questions and readings to be the same). Any way to find out without having to waste money?

Last I was at University, there was usually very little difference. If the instructor leans heavily on the problem sets in the text, then you might have trouble. Since those are the easy things to change, and encourage new book sales, that's something the publisher is likely to do.

There were many occasions when the class would ask the instructor what the deal was. I only ever once ran into a prof that insisted on the new version.

Cheers,

AetheLove