The California editions have wonderful notes, no other even comes close. And the illustrations do look so much better on the rich, creamy paper. If I were teaching the texts, I would have the students buy the California. But for reading enjoyment and non-bulky carriability, you cannot beat the Signet and NAL paperbacks. Even the Penguin really takes up too much space in a small shoulder bag. Price is a factor with me too, frankly. With a little shopping, I can usually find a used Signet edition for 50 cents to a dollar. Call me stodgy, call me cheap, but I feel antsy forking over 12 dollars cash money for a paperback book. Now if I was going to spend real money on a book, I would go for the Library of America editions. Ted Ficklen University of Missouri - St Louis