Difference Between Book and Thesis

Key Difference – Book vs Thesis
 

A thesis is a long analytical piece of writing on a particular subject, which is typically done for an academic degree. Thesis generally takes the format of a book, but it is not the same as a book. A book is written to communicate ideas or to narrate a story to readers whereas a thesis is written to showcase the knowledge of the student. Thus, the key difference between book and thesis is their focus and purpose. There are other several differences, which will be discussed in this article.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Book
3. What is a Thesis
4. Side by Side Comparison – Book vs Thesis in Tabular Form
5. Summary

What is a Book?

A book is a written, printed, illustrated work or blank pages fastened together and bound in covers. Various publications such as textbooks, map books, guidebooks, novels, notebooks, dictionaries, encyclopedias, poetry books, etc. are considered as books. Books have always been one of the most important sources of information and education. A book can provide information in the format of text and illustrations (pictures, graphs, maps, tables, etc.). Books can provide a wealth of information on theoretical subjects as well as practical subjects.

Books can be mainly divided into two categories as fiction and nonfiction. Fiction is literature that involves fabricated or imaginary stories, events, and people. These include formats such as novels, short stories, plays, etc. Nonfiction is literature that is informative and factual. Books that provide knowledge and information fall into this category. Biographies, essays, encyclopedias, and textbooks are some examples of nonfiction.

Although the term book typically reminds us of a physical object, in the modern world, the term book can also refer to an electronic book or an e-book, which does not have the traditional physical format. Nevertheless, these digital publications are also considered as books.

What is a Thesis?

Thesis can be defined as a dissertation consisting the results of original research, especially substantiating a specific view. Theses are typically written by candidates for academic degrees. Although a thesis takes the form of a book, there are some differences between the two; style, perspective, and target audience being the most obvious differences.

A thesis is typically created to showcase the extensive knowledge of the student. He or she is guided by other experienced professionals and examined by a panel of judges. Thus, the target audience of a thesis is the panel of judges and the writer himself. The style of writing is strictly academic, is typically boring for a layman.

What is the Difference Between Book and Thesis?

Summary – Book vs Thesis

Although thesis has the format of a book, there is a distinct difference between book and theme. The main difference between book and thesis is their purpose and focus. In addition, there are other differences such as style, language, and target audience. However, a thesis can be published as a book, but after major editing.

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Reference:

1. Germano, William. “From Dissertation to Book.” University of Chicago Press, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Paris C. Kanellakis PhD Thesis” By Evgenios M. Kornaropoulos –  (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “922321” (Public Domain) via Pixabay