In the world of books and publishing, every book carries a unique identifier that distinguishes it from every other book. This identifier is known as the International Standard Book Number (ISBN). The number 9781839766220 is an ISBN, and it carries significant information about the book it identifies. This article delves into the details of what an ISBN is, how it is structured, and what specific information the number 9781839766220 reveals.
What is an ISBN?
Definition and Purpose
An ISBN is a unique numerical identifier assigned to books and other publications. It helps publishers, booksellers, libraries, and readers identify and manage books efficiently. The ISBN system was introduced in the 1970s and has since become a global standard for book identification.
History of ISBN
The ISBN system was developed in the United Kingdom in 1967 by David Whitaker and was based on the 9-digit Standard Book Numbering (SBN) code created by Gordon Foster. It became the international standard in 1970 when the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) adopted it as ISO 2108.
Structure of an ISBN
ISBN-10 and ISBN-13
Initially, ISBNs were 10 digits long (ISBN-10), but in 2007, the system transitioned to a 13-digit format (ISBN-13) to accommodate more identifiers. The 13-digit ISBN is compatible with the European Article Number (EAN) system, which is used for barcodes.
Components of an ISBN
An ISBN-13 is divided into five parts, each separated by a hyphen:
- Prefix Element: The prefix is always 978 or 979, which is the Bookland EAN prefix.
- Registration Group Element: This part identifies the country, geographical region, or language area participating in the ISBN system.
- Registrant Element: This segment identifies the specific publisher or imprint.
- Publication Element: This is a unique identifier for the specific edition and format of a book.
- Check Digit: The final digit is a check digit that validates the accuracy of the ISBN.
Decoding 9781839766220
Prefix Element: 978
The number 978 is the prefix used for all ISBNs, indicating that the identifier is part of the Bookland EAN system. This prefix allows the ISBN to be compatible with EAN-13 barcodes used in retail.
Registration Group Element: 1
The registration group element 1 typically represents English-speaking countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This indicates that the book is published in an English-speaking region.
Registrant Element: 83976
The registrant element 83976 identifies the specific publisher or imprint. In this case, it corresponds to Verso Books, a well-known independent publishing house. Verso Books is known for publishing works on politics, history, and critical theory.
Publication Element: 622
The publication element 622 is a unique identifier assigned to a specific title or edition by the publisher. This ensures that each version of a book has a distinct ISBN, even if multiple formats (e.g., hardcover, paperback, e-book) exist.
Check Digit: 0
The check digit is calculated through a specific algorithm and is used to verify the accuracy of the entire ISBN. For ISBN-13, it is calculated using a modulus 10 algorithm with alternating weights of 1 and 3.
Importance of ISBNs in Publishing
Inventory Management
ISBNs play a crucial role in inventory management for bookstores, libraries, and publishers. They help track and organize books efficiently, ensuring that the correct titles are ordered, stocked, and sold.
Sales and Distribution
ISBNs facilitate the sales and distribution of books across different markets and platforms. They enable seamless transactions between publishers, distributors, and retailers, making it easier to manage book sales and logistics.
Cataloging and Libraries
Libraries rely heavily on ISBNs for cataloging and managing their collections. The unique identifier allows librarians to accurately catalog books, track loans, and maintain their inventories.
Digital Publishing
In the digital age, ISBNs are essential for e-books and other digital publications. They provide a standardized way to identify and manage digital content, ensuring consistency and reliability across various platforms.
Verso Books: The Publisher Behind 9781839766220
History and Mission
Verso Books, identified by the registrant element 83976 in the ISBN 9781839766220, is a prominent independent publishing house founded in 1970. It is known for publishing radical and critical works on politics, history, and social theory. Verso’s mission is to provide a platform for voices and ideas that challenge the status quo and inspire change.
Notable Publications
Verso Books has published numerous influential works by renowned authors and thinkers. Some notable titles include:
- Capitalism and Schizophrenia by Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari
- The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State by Friedrich Engels
- The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
- Revolutionary Ideas by Slavoj Žižek
The Specific Book Identified by 9781839766220
Title and Author
9781839766220 what does this number mean corresponds to the book The Jakarta Method: Washington’s Anticommunist Crusade and the Mass Murder Program that Shaped Our World by Vincent Bevins. Published by Verso Books, this work delves into the historical events of the 1965-66 Indonesian massacres and their global impact.
Synopsis
The Jakarta Method explores how the United States supported and facilitated mass violence in Indonesia as part of its broader Cold War strategy. Vincent Bevins uncovers the hidden history of these events and examines their long-term consequences for Indonesia and the world.
Critical Reception
The book has received critical acclaim for its thorough research and compelling narrative. Reviewers have praised Bevins for shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of Cold War history and providing a nuanced analysis of its implications.
9781839766220 what does this number mean is more than just a random sequence; it is an ISBN that carries significant information about a book. Through this identifier, we can uncover details about the book’s language, publisher, title, and even its broader historical and cultural context. Understanding ISBNs is crucial for anyone involved in the publishing industry, as they facilitate the efficient management, distribution, and cataloging of books. The ISBN 9781839766220, in particular, opens a window into the important work of Verso Books and the impactful narrative of “The Jakarta Method.
