Paperback or Hardback: Which Edition of Classic Texts is Better for Students?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison between paperback and hardback editions of classic mathematics texts, specifically focusing on whether the content differs between the two formats. Participants explore the implications for students, particularly regarding cost and accessibility.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether paperback versions of classic texts, such as those by Courant and Apostol, are word-for-word replicas of the hardback editions.
  • Another participant asserts that they are using the hardback version and mentions the availability of ebooks online.
  • A participant provides ISBN numbers for the paperback version of Courant's "An Introduction to Calculus and Analysis" and argues that there should be no difference in content between the two formats, suggesting it is "logically absurd" for there to be discrepancies.
  • There is a request for clarification on how one participant knows the paperback and hardback versions are the same, indicating a need for evidence or comparison.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the content of paperback and hardback editions is identical, with some asserting they are the same and others questioning this assumption. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the potential differences in content.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided detailed comparisons of specific editions or discussed any potential differences in formatting, annotations, or supplementary materials that may exist between the formats.

JFo
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Let me start off by apologizing for starting another "book" thread. I realize that some of you must be sick to death of these types of questions, but I didnt see this topic anywhere in previous threads. As I'm sure you know, students are usually quite poor and don't want to risk making a mistake and get a book that wasn't what they expected. So here goes the question:

Are the (cheaper) paper-back versions of classic texts such as Courant, Apostol, Spivak's calculus, word-for-word replicas of the original hard-back copies?
Are there any other differences besides the hardness of their covers? :-p

Thanks for your help
JFo
 
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yes. and you can get courant's book and apostol's book (both volumes) online which i am studying right now
 
courtrigrad said:
yes. and you can get courant's book and apostol's book (both volumes) online which i am studying right now
So your using the paper-back version?
Can I get the ISBN # from you?

Regards,
JF
 
no i am using the hard back version (just checked em out of library). but they the actual ebooks online
 
courtrigrad said:
no i am using the hard back version (just checked em out of library). but they the actual ebooks online
How do you know they are the same then?
 
Which book of Courant were you talking about? If it was "An Introduction to Calculus and Analysis", then here's the ISBN for the paper back version.

Volume one : 81-8128-168-3
Volume two : 81-8128-169-1

I don't see why the paper back and hard back should be any different. Its logically absurd :) Its just the same book with a different binding.
 

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