Text Book Question Forum

[Favre4Prez]

Does it matter what edition of the text books you get? I inherited some 1L text books from a friend that graduated and was a 1L three years ago. I got my book list though and the titles and authors are the same, but the ISBN numbers don't match. I would imagine this is because of the newer edition. Also, generally, where is the best place to buy books? Thanks.

[kalvano]

For a class like Contracts or Torts, it doesn't matter. For something like Crim that is highly case-specific or Civ Pro, that's changed somewhat, it will matter more.

I use a combination of Amazon and Half.com to buy my books, whoever is cheaper.

[ClubberLang]

Just look up the table of contents for the new edition online or borrow a friends. Compare the old edition to the new one, and use Lexis/Westlaw for the few cases you are missing. I always buy old editions, it saves a ton of money (new editions cost $100-200, old editions cost $5-10). Amazon has plenty of old edition textbooks.

[tstyler98]

There will be two annoying things with using an older edition.

First, there might be material missing. This can be rectified. You can either find someone in your class who has the correct edition and make copies of anything you're missing, or the library will often have the books on reserve and you can copy the missing material from there.

Second, the page numbers might be different, and the professor will usually assign reading using page numbers. So, I would make a copy of the table of contents (the more detailed version) and use that to figure out page numbers.

I usually just got the newer edition and tried to get them online through Half.com or Amazon.

[I.P. Daly]

As noted above, if your professor assigns readings based on page numbers, it can be a real hassle. Also, during class the professor might cite a page number with an important exert, and you'll have to skim through the book trying to figure out where it's at.

However, if that kind of stuff does not bother you, older editions are probably the way to go.

Second and third year, some students don't even bother purchasing textbooks.