Two-volume work - treat as a series?

[Greg]

I added two volumes of a two-volume reference work as separate books on the basis that they have separate ISBNs and distinct subtitles (I acquired each separately through inter-library loan). They are, respectively:

Dictionary of Land Surveyors and Local Map-Makers of Great Britain and Ireland, 1530-1850. Volume One: Introduction, Guide to the Use of the Dictionary and Indexes

Dictionary of Land Surveyors and Local Map-Makers of Great Britain and Ireland, 1530-1850. Volume Two: Dictionary

Should these books be made a 'series'? The book titles are lengthy and I thought a series title would make the entry titles for these books very cumbersome. Also, the subtitles would make it clear that it is a bi- or multi-volume work.

There is an existing entry for the books as a set, using the ISBN accorded to that set: Dictionary Of Land Surveyors And Local Map Makers Of Great Britain And Ireland, 1530 1850. Should the separately entered volumes be combined as another edition of this version?

[Z-squared]

Good question. I'm not sure on the policy for 'series' as they apply to reference works. Anybody know?

[rivka, Former Moderator]

The individual volumes absolutely should not be combined with the combined version. The two versions of the author should be merged (into the more complete one, most likely).

I don't really see a point in linking the two volumes with a series, but doing so would be ok. I wouldn't make the complete set part of the series in that case, but link it in the description of the series.

[Z-squared]

Hi Greg, just for kicks, I created the series page for you here with a link to the complete set in the description:

https://www.goodreads.com/series/1378...

I also had to tweak the titles to be consistent with Goodreads naming policies for series. Not sure if it helps. If you don't like it, I can delete the series page and return the titles to their previous configuration.

[Alissa]

I have a question around the same line, I hope it's ok to use this topic. The book is Dangerous Women by George R.R. Martin and Gardner R. Dozois, an anthology of 21 stories, now being collected in 3 paperback installments Dangerous Women 1, Dangerous Women 2, Dangerous Women 3). Should a series be created to connect the 3 issues together? I've already put reference to the original (complete) anthology in all the 3 parts descriptions. I wanted to create a series for those books without adding the original anthology in it. What do you think?

[Greg]

rivka wrote: "The individual volumes absolutely should not be combined with the combined version. The two versions of the author should be merged (into the more complete one, most likely).

I don't really see a ..."

Hi rivka - I've changed Francis Steer to Francis W. Steer as you suggested having satisfied myself that they are indeed the same person.

Z-squared wrote: "Hi Greg, just for kicks, I created the series page for you here with a link to the complete set in the description:

https://www.goodreads.com/series/1378......"

Hi Z - thanks for doing this. I think it works well as the main title appears as the series title and the subtitles are used to differentiate the two volumes. My only quibble would be that in the series description, 'complete set' would be more correct than 'complete volume' as the latter phrase suggests a single-bound book.

[Greg]

Alissa wrote: "I have a question around the same line, I hope it's ok to use this topic. The book is Dangerous Women by George R.R. Martin and Gardner R. Dozois, an ..."

I think it makes sense to call this a series, with a link to the original single-volume work in the series' description, as rivka had suggested for the 2-volume dictionary and the double-volume set above.

[Z-squared]

Greg, I agree. Changed volume to set.

[Alissa]

Done, series created, references placed.

[Greg]

Z-squared wrote: "Greg, I agree. Changed volume to set."

Thanks Z! :)

Alissa wrote: "Done, series created, references placed."

Looks good, Alissa!