US edition of a textbook vs International Edition (teacher, major, accounting) - Higher education - City-Data Forum

Croye22 · 09-02-2009, 10:28 AM

I am trying to decide between the international edition of my text for Accounting or get the digital copy of the American edition.

Both are MUCH cheaper than the US edition hardcover which is over $200.

However, I'm afraid of there being some differences. The book is called Financial Accounting by Spiceland.

I could get the regular US edition, but that's just too much too spend on the book because we only meet once a week for the class and she says we'll only meet in the computer lab for the class to go over her powerpoint notes.

Sandpointian · 09-02-2009, 10:32 AM

There are the same. However, technically speaking those international editions are not to be legally sold in the US.

Croye22 · 09-02-2009, 10:40 AM

Heh, it should be illegal for them to rip us off with these expensive books, but that's another rant for another day

Why is it illegal though and how come they won't use paperback for these books rather than the more expensive hardcover?

Sandpointian · 09-02-2009, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Croye22

Heh, it should be illegal for them to rip us off with these expensive books, but that's another rant for another day

LOL!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Croye22

Why is it illegal though and how come they won't use paperback for these books rather than the more expensive hardcover?

1. B/C I think they would violate copyright laws, i.e. once on US soil, the copies are unauthorized (books are literally stamped with "Noe for Sale in the US"

2. Why? They are trying the maximize profits...

Croye22 · 09-02-2009, 10:51 AM

Figures on the "maximize profits" part. But yeah, thanks for the response.

hnsq · 09-03-2009, 06:22 AM

The international editions ARE different. The material is the same, but the practice problems (for math/science books at least) are sometimes different.

Sudcaro · 09-03-2009, 06:38 AM

Can't you find a used copy of the book? That may be cheaper...

EuroExpat · 09-03-2009, 06:46 AM

I've bought an international (and also teacher) editions in the past and they have been absolutely identical. International editions seem to be worse quality though and tougher to resell.

Croye22 · 09-03-2009, 06:53 PM

Can't find a used copy since the book is first edition.

Several people in my previous Stats class have used the Int'l edition, and it worked out with them.

:P I'll try to resell on eBay if possible or Facebook.

540_804 · 09-03-2009, 09:15 PM

Just a quick correction:

It is absolutely NOT illegal to sell or buy international edition books in the country.
In fact, if you email any of the major publishers they will tell you it themselves.

Again, it is absolutely LEGAL.

As far as differences, usually they are exactly the same in content but differ in layout.
For example, almost always they are softback/paperback. Sometimes the paper quality is cheaper (not the thick glossy stuff you see in regular textbooks). Sometimes it is in black&white. Sometimes the page numbers are a bit off but the content is usually identical.

Beware if your book was supposed to come with a CD or software package as some international versions do or don't come with them. Be sure to check.

Again..it IS LEGAL.
If you still doubt the legality, I encourage you to email the publisher directly. They may say it is unauthorized or "not intended" but it is fully legal.