CS 61A Textbook

compSciBeast · 07-16-2008, 06:42 PM

I was looking to buy the CS 61A textbook off Amazon, but I found 2 versions and am not sure which one the course uses.

Amazon.com: Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs - 2nd Edition (MIT Electrical Engineering and Computer Science): Harold Abelson, Gerald Jay Sussman: Books

Amazon.com: Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs, Second Edition: Harold Abelson, Gerald Jay Sussman, Julie Sussman: Books

Does anyone know the difference between these 2 versions? Which one should Berkeley students purchase? Thanks for your time.

kenf1234 · 07-16-2008, 09:01 PM

The full text is available free online:
Welcome to the SICP Web Site

So I'd wait until you get on campus to see what is in the bookstores, if you aren't sure of which one to buy.

inconnu · 07-17-2008, 12:04 AM

Different publishers. I bought my book for $18+s/h and it shipped from Berkeley, CA. I'm pretty sure both books are exactly the same since I have the latter print, and the text reads that the book was designed for MIT's EECS class.

Point in case: Both books are the same. Buy the cheaper one if you want a printed copy.

misterreach · 07-17-2008, 12:15 AM

get the darker one. its the one i used last semester, but i think the lighter one is the same thing.

Orochi · 07-18-2008, 11:44 AM

They are the same book from my friends' experience. Use the cheaper one to save money. I didn't know that until I bought all the textbooks NEW at the Cal Student Store, which cost me a lot of $$$.