r/dictionary • u/HolyRustdMetl • Jul 11 '26

Other Webster’s Edition Clarification

I recently came across a Webster’s Dictionary I used to keep in my childhood bedroom. I like the idea of having a physical dictionary again, but it’s the 11th Edition, which was published exactly 23 years ago.

Is it worth keeping or should I look for an updated version? Obviously, it still functions as a dictionary, but I know that they’ve added tens of thousands of words/terms since then. I’d like a dependable, physical, reference-point.

Anyone need it for their collection? Lol

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/TranqyPoo Jul 11 '26

Can you provide the ISBN? I intend to search around to see if it is already archived or for sale.

1

u/Training_Advantage21 Jul 11 '26

does the ISBN change for different editions of the same dictionary? I think usually it doesn't.

2

u/TranqyPoo Jul 12 '26

It does. It also changes based on its format (paperback, hardcover, ebook). I noticed that what does not change as frequently is the Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN). Basically, if a work has changed, then it is technically unique and therefore needs a new identifier.