Why Do Page Numbers Differ Between Editions of The Pursuit of God?

Short answer: Page numbers differ between editions of The Pursuit of God because publishers can change page size, font, margins, line spacing, paragraph layout, front matter, chapter-opening design, and supplemental content. An annotated or study-guide edition may also add summaries, questions, notes, or exercises, which changes pagination even when Tozer’s original chapter text is preserved.

The same book can have many page counts

Page numbers are features of a particular edition, not permanent properties of a work. If the same chapter is typeset in a larger font, it will require more pages. If the trim size is larger or margins are narrower, it may require fewer.

That is why two readers can both own legitimate editions of The Pursuit of God and still find that a quotation appears on page 52 in one copy and page 61 in another.

Common reasons pagination changes

Typography

Font family, font size, line height, and paragraph spacing all affect how much text fits on a page.

Trim size

A compact paperback and a larger study edition cannot be expected to have identical page numbers.

Front matter

Introductions, publisher notes, tables of contents, copyright pages, and editorial material can shift the starting page of Chapter 1.

Added study material

Annotated editions may insert chapter summaries, reflection questions, Scripture studies, journaling prompts, or leader guides. Those additions can significantly increase total page count.

eBook reflow

Many eBooks do not have fixed pages at all. Text reflows according to device, font size, and screen orientation. Location numbers or chapter headings are often more reliable than print page numbers.

Does different pagination mean Tozer’s text was changed?

Not necessarily. Pagination alone tells you very little about textual faithfulness.

A modern edition can preserve the original Tozer text while placing supplemental material around it. Conversely, an edition could have similar page numbers and still contain editorial changes.

If textual preservation matters, compare the chapter titles and a few passages with a reliable original-text source rather than using page count as the test.

See The Pursuit of God Original Edition vs. an Annotated Study Guide for the larger distinction between original text and later study additions.

How should I cite the book when page numbers differ?

For school, publishing, or formal research, cite the specific edition you actually used. Include the publisher, publication year, and format required by your citation style. The page number should correspond to that edition, not a page number copied from another website or reader’s copy.

For group study, the simplest solution is usually to reference chapter number, chapter title, and a distinctive phrase or paragraph rather than requiring everyone to turn to the same page.

Example:

Chapter 5, “The Universal Presence,” paragraph beginning with the discussion of Jacob at Bethel.

That works across many print editions even when pagination differs.

How to handle mixed editions in a group

If ten people bring different copies, do not waste discussion time trying to synchronize page numbers.

Use this sequence:

Identify the chapter.
Name the section or idea.
Read a short distinctive phrase aloud.
Allow participants to find it in their own edition.
Use Bible references as fixed common anchors.

This is especially useful when some members use paperback, Kindle, large print, or annotated versions.

Annotated editions naturally become longer

A study edition has a different purpose from a plain-text edition. If it adds biblical anchors, questions, application, summaries, or leader material, a higher page count is expected.

That does not mean “more Tozer.” It means Tozer’s original work is being presented together with later supplemental material. Clear attribution should distinguish the two.

Put It Into Practice

Before quoting The Pursuit of God, look at your copyright/title pages and record the publisher, year, and format. If you are leading a group, tell participants you will use chapter titles rather than page numbers so different editions can be used together.

Conclusion: Different page numbers are normal. They usually reflect typesetting, format, front matter, or added study content—not necessarily a different original work. Cite the edition you used and rely on chapter structure when studying with people who own different versions.