How should one handle different editions of books when citing them?

When citing books, identifying and specifying the edition used is critical for accuracy and traceability, as significant content variations often exist between editions. The specific edition cited must always be included in the reference entry. Fundamental principles require verifying the edition number, statement (e.g., "2nd ed.", "Revised edition"), or year of the edition consulted directly from the source material itself. Determine the edition's relevance; typically, the latest edition is preferred unless prior editions contain specific essential information not retained. If an edition statement is absent, assume the first edition unless evidence suggests otherwise. Always provide consistent information including publisher and publication year specific to the edition cited. For edited volumes or digital editions, include editors' names or the DOI/e-book format respectively. Begin by meticulously identifying the edition number or statement on the book's title page or copyright page. Include this information clearly within the reference according to your chosen style guide's conventions (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). If the edition features an editor, translator, or specific volume designation, include this alongside the edition. Precisely citing the correct edition upholds academic integrity, enables accurate source verification by others, ensures contextually correct referencing of content, and avoids potential misinterpretation based on differing editions.