track down a book vs trace a book

Examples:

• I need to track down a book for my research project.
• She managed to track down a rare first edition book.
• Can you help me track down that book I lent you?
• The detective was able to track down the missing book.
• I finally tracked down the book I've been searching for.

Alternatives:

• find a book
• locate a book
• hunt for a book
• search for a book
• discover a book

Examples:

• She decided to trace the book's origins back to its first publication.
• The researcher spent years tracing the book's journey through different cultures.
• He wanted to trace the book's influence on modern literature.
• The historian was able to trace the book's authorship to multiple contributors.
• The professor asked the students to trace the book's evolution over time.

Alternatives:

• investigate the history of a book
• follow the development of a book
• study the origins of a book
• research the background of a book
• explore the journey of a book