Sally, I am the registrar for my Colonial Dames XVIIC chapter and it is recommended we use the last edition. Even with different authors, the last editions are usually the most accurate. Incorrect or missing information from previous editions can be cleared us. I know there are omissions on one of my lines that connects to the Clay's. The information has just never been looked for as it is very available. The authors are looking at the surname that they are writing about and not 3 or 4 generations later that the line branches out to, so be careful there. However in looking for my Green's, I checked each of the volumes, not editions, but volumes of the 4th edition, and there was on page that mentioned the name Green in one book. So I looked. And low and behold there was the whole Harwood line which I had not tracked to that point. So treasures are among these very excellent books. Gale -----Original Message----- From: Sally Phillips Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 5:28 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Adventurers of Purse and Person This book was recommended on this list weeks (or maybe months) ago. I have a free day tomorrow and would like to check it out at my local genealogical library (Fairfax Regional). Their catalog lists a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th edition, all by different authors. What am I looking at? Is one edition better than the other. Should I assume the 4th edition is the best? Or maybe one particular author is more authoritative? Any recommendations? Thanks for your help. Sally Phillips To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html