What's with all these Halliday/Resnick books?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the numerous editions and variations of physics textbooks authored by David Halliday and Robert Resnick, including titles such as "Physics" and "Fundamentals of Physics." The conversation highlights the evolution of these texts, noting that earlier editions were co-authored solely by Halliday and Resnick, while later editions incorporated additional authors like Krane and Walker. The trend of universities requiring specific editions each year, often leading to minor changes in content and format, is identified as a marketing strategy to encourage new purchases. The consensus is that while some editions may be perceived as better, all versions maintain a high standard of quality.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of physics concepts as presented in university-level textbooks.
  • Familiarity with textbook editions and their impact on academic courses.
  • Knowledge of the authors' contributions to physics education, specifically Halliday, Resnick, Krane, and Walker.
  • Awareness of the marketing strategies employed in educational publishing.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between "Fundamentals of Physics" and "Physics" editions by Halliday and Resnick.
  • Explore the contributions of additional authors like Krane and Walker to the textbooks.
  • Investigate the impact of textbook editions on student learning outcomes in physics courses.
  • Examine the marketing practices in educational publishing, particularly in the context of textbook revisions.
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and academic professionals interested in the evolution of physics textbooks and their implications for teaching and learning in higher education.

adartsesirhc
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Seriously, how come there's a ton different books by Halliday or Resnick?

I've heard of:
Physics, by Resnick
Physics, by Halliday
Physics, by Resnick and Halliday
Physics, by Resnick, Halliday, and Krane
Fundamentals of Physics, by Halliday and Resnick
Fundamentals of Physics, by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker

Are they different editions/versions of the same book? I have the 7th edition of the last book.
 
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There's also the new versions split into parts with each volume just containing a few chapters.
It seems to be a feature of US universities to require a particular book for a course and for the publishers to change editions each year ( with different problems and page numbering) to force you to buy the new edition.
One friend lectures a course where they even have to buy an electronic remote control device to answer multiple choice questions for a particular book!
 
Earlier editions of Physics were written by just David Halliday and Robert Resnick, but later editions had the additional authors and (I believe by the sixth edition) the new name of Fundamentals of Physics. Some say that specific editions of the book are better than the others, but I don't believe that any of them are really bad compared to other texts.
 
First, there was Physics, by Halliday and Resnick, which first appeared in the 1960s, I think. It was too "heavy" for many schools, so H & R later produced a slimmed-down version, Fundamentals of Physics. I used it when I was a college freshman in 1971-72. I don't remember whether it was the first or second edition. It had an orange cover so we called it the "pumpkin book."

At some point (1990s?) Krane came on board for Physics, and Walker came on board for Fundamentals of Physics.
 
adartsesirhc said:
Seriously, how come there's a ton different books by Halliday or Resnick?

I've heard of:
Physics, by Resnick
Physics, by Halliday
Physics, by Resnick and Halliday
Physics, by Resnick, Halliday, and Krane
Fundamentals of Physics, by Halliday and Resnick
Fundamentals of Physics, by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker

Are they different editions/versions of the same book? I have the 7th edition of the last book.

Simply put, they get dumbed down a little by each edition, get more colorful, and include new authors. All are great books. Its just not very economic to get the latest edition when you can save a hundred or so getting an older one. And its easier on the eyes.

There are also enhanced editions and "modern topics" editions, even ones split into volumes which include new problems. All a marketing scheme I guess.
 

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