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You cannot claim the advertised $27 eBook for free now. The promotion documented by Neowin ran from May 20 through May 28, 2024, required a work email, and has ended. TradePub’s current offer page says it can no longer fulfill requests. Wiley currently lists the 3rd-edition eBook at $27 and the paperback at $44.99.
What happened to the free offer?
The “free” deal was a time-limited lead-generation promotion for the eBook, not a permanently free edition. Neowin’s sponsored article, published May 20, 2024, described a complimentary eBook valued at $27 and stated that the offer expired May 28, 2024. A work email was required to request it.
TradePub’s offer page now displays this notice: “We apologize that TradePub.com is no longer able to fulfill requests for this offer.” Pages or posts repeating the old “get it free” wording are describing that historical promotion, not a currently available download.
Current editions, formats and publisher prices
Wiley’s catalog identifies John C. Shovic and Alan Simpson as the authors and lists 704 pages for the 3rd edition. The dates and prices below are Wiley’s catalog listings; retailer stock and prices can differ and were not established here.
Recommended Free Tools
| Format | ISBN | Publication date | Wiley listed price | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eBook | 978-1-394-23616-9 | March 2024 | $27 | Immediate digital reading and searchable reference |
| Paperback | 978-1-394-23615-2 | April 2024 | $44.99 | Print study, annotation and offline access |
The $27 figure in the old promotion matches Wiley’s listed eBook price. It does not mean the eBook remains free.
#1 Best Overall
What the 3rd edition covers
Wiley describes the book as “Everything you need to know to get into Python coding, with 7 books in one.” Its scope is broad rather than narrowly focused on one framework or job role.
- Choosing Python tools and getting started
- Jupyter Notebook and Python’s interactive mode
- Getting help while learning and programming
- Python elements, syntax and core coding concepts
- Creating applications
- Building complex websites
- Working with large data sets
O’Reilly’s contents listing labels the book “Beginner” and shows the early progression from setup and notebooks to syntax and application-building topics. The “7 books in one” description signals a wide reference-style treatment, so readers looking for a single specialized course on machine learning, web frameworks or data engineering may need more focused material afterward.
Rank #2
Should you buy it?
Choose the eBook when
- You want the lowest listed price from the publisher.
- You prefer searchable text and reading across devices.
- You need a broad beginner reference rather than a short project tutorial.
Choose the paperback when
- You learn better from a physical book or annotate heavily.
- You want the 3rd-edition print ISBN, 978-1-394-23615-2.
- You expect to keep a desk reference without relying on a screen.
Look elsewhere when
- You specifically need a current free textbook; this expired promotion does not provide one.
- You already know Python fundamentals and need advanced, focused instruction.
- You require verified live retailer stock or a current sale price; Wiley’s catalog alone does not establish those conditions.
How to avoid misleading “free” listings
- Check whether the page gives a promotion date. The documented offer ended May 28, 2024.
- Confirm that the product is the eBook, not the $44.99 paperback.
- Match the ISBN to the 3rd edition: 978-1-394-23616-9 for eBook or 978-1-394-23615-2 for paperback.
- Read the fulfillment notice before submitting an email address. TradePub currently says it cannot fulfill this offer.
- Use Wiley’s catalog price as the publisher reference, then verify any retailer’s final price, edition and availability at checkout.
Bottom line for readers
Python All-in-One For Dummies, 3rd Edition is a broad beginner-oriented Python reference, but the advertised $27 giveaway is over. If you want this specific edition now, Wiley lists the eBook at $27 and the paperback at $44.99; buy based on your preferred format and learning needs rather than waiting for the expired TradePub promotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the free download a paperback or an eBook?
It was a complimentary eBook offer. The paperback was never the item described as free.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
Which ISBN identifies the 3rd-edition paperback?
The paperback ISBN is 978-1-394-23615-2.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
