It is possible for two books to be the same, and yet have completely different covers. It is also possible for two books to appear to be the same, but be different editions. You cannot simply look at the cover and decide. To make a clear description, let’s define these terms.
An edition is a version of a text, based on a specific setting of the text and other material. The edition can change if there is a revised introduction, a new translation, a corrected text, new footnotes, or changed illustrations. Publishers will often declare this in the title page or copyright page, with phrases like “second edition” or “revised edition.” In the absence of such a declaration, you might need to compare the books physically and editiorally before deciding.
A printing is a batch of books made from a single edition. The printer can make more copies of the first edition after all copies of the first printing are sold. This does not mean a new edition has been created. The copyright page may contain a number line, printing statement, or date that indicates which printing it is. If the cover price has changed, there is a small error, or the printing was done later, this does not necessarily mean the book is a new edition.
Lay two copies of the same work next to each other. Examine the title pages and copyright pages first. Read the edition statements. Then examine the pagination, table of contents, preface, notes, illustrations, and type layout. Write down what differences you find. If there are differences only in the printing information, but the text, pagination, and editorial matter are the same, then the two books are likely different printings of the same edition. If there are differences in the text, translation, editorial matter, or other supporting material, then they are likely different editions.
Issue is a term that we use when some copies of an edition are issued for a particular publisher, market, binding, or sales outlet. This means that the printed sheets may be the same, but the title page, cover, binding, or publisher is different. This can be difficult to determine from just one book. Do not call something an issue because two books have different dust jackets or bindings. Look first for evidence that the two were part of a distinct release.
A copy is the physical book in front of you. Each copy can have its own unique history, due to inscriptions, annotations, bookplates, stamps, damage, repair, and replacement dust jackets. Two copies of the same printing may appear and feel very different, without being different editions. You are using your terms correctly when you can describe a book as a copy, tentatively associate it with a printing and edition, and allow for a lack of certainty when there is insufficient evidence.
