Which is better - Penguin Classics or Modern Library Classics?

Not sure if this question is really answerable, but I'm wondering if, in general, people have a preference for Penguin Classics or Modern Library Classics editions. I've always gravitated toward the Penguin Classics, since that is what I'm used to and I kind of like the black covers, but I do have a few MLC editions. I'm not a nut enough to compare the same book in different editions yet - is the main difference in the introduction and any supplementary essays?

I used to collect the Modern Library Classics in paperback but gave up. After a while they yellowed. The Penguin Classics that I own (and its not many) have corrugated page edges. Those tend not to yellow and just make a nice looking book. Classics are books that you want to hang on to and I hate it when they yellow! I'm editing this because I just realized it is the Penguin Classic Deluxe Editions that I own. Those are probably the ones with the corrugated page edges and not just the Penguin Classics. In that case, I have always preferred the Modern Library editions. I can't say its because of the introductions, but mainly a visual thing. I just enjoy the copper colored spines better on my shelf! They also just "feel" better to me if that makes any sense!

I have several of the new Penguin Classics with black covers. Unfortunately, they look nice until you read them. The black spines crack and you are left with a bunch of ugly white streaks, esp. on larger volumes, even if you don't open the book up too much. The new covers are also quite thin and susceptible to dog-eared pages. These (cosmetic) problems aside, I do like the extra material in Penguins (introductions, notes and appendices).

I have only one Modern Classic (Bleak House), which I bought about 4 months ago. At the time my bookshop didn't have a PC edition of Bleak House so I decided to try an MLC version (more expensive, though). The quality of the paper and cover seems superior to the PCs. I keep most of my books in a cupboard at the moment (away from sunlight) so I can't comment on which type yellows more quickly.

I’m going to throw in another edition for you. I’ve been buying the Everyman’s Library books. They are hardcover, but a little bit cheaper. The cover is not as heavy duty as most hardbacks but the pages are nicer than a paperback and the spine doesn’t show the stress of having been read as a paperback does. They are not as expensive as most hardbacks and really not that much more than a paperback from Penguin or Modern Library, but I like that they still look nice on my shelf after I’ve read them a few times. I’m not too worried about the commentaries and essays that come in some editions. If I want to read someone else’s take I can easily go to the library or get online to find multiple views of any book, especially classics. I do have some classics in either Modern Library or Penguin paperbacks, but I try for the hardcover whenever possible.

I'm also really intrigued by the Norton Critical editions now, after learning about them. I may purchase a couple of those for some of my 2008 TBRs.

I don't have much to say on physical durability (although I agree the Everyman's Library hardbacks are very nice) but I recently noticed that the notes in the last few Modern Library Classics I read were completely annoying. More than half of them were just definitions of fairly common words. Maybe it is just me, but I compulsively look at the notes, which I expect to be some historical anecdotes or clarifications, and it really irritates me when it is common knowledge vocabulary. I've been reading some older hardback classics, and really enjoying the lack of unnecessary in-text notes.

I'm a big fan of Everyman hardbacks -- well made, durable, decent paper -- all of which will last a long time.

I only buy (or mooch) Penguins and Modern Library editions when there's no better alternative, or when I know I'm going to mark up the text and need a copy I can deface.

I used to love the Penguins, but now prefer the Modern Library Classics. I really love looking for the older hardback editions. In one book store we visit when we're in Tennesse seeing relatives has an entire book shelf of these wonderful editions.

I prefer Everyman's editions of the classics but will settle for A Modern Library edition if I can't get a hold of Everyman's. Penguin's classics are OK but I don't think they put out any hardcover editions of classics so, until they do, I will stick with my two favorite publishers :)

I only buy hardcover editions unless there is no other way and both Everyman's and Modern put out some nicely made books that look great on a shelf.

The newer series of Oxford World's Classics paperbacks is quite attractive. Nice off-white matte covers which don't show up creases like the black Penguin Classics.

I have to agree, for longevity the Everyman's Library editions are far superior to both Penguin and Modern Library editions I have bought, with the exception of the Penguin Hardcover Classics with the patterned covers, which I think are on par. I'm a fairly brutal reader so most of both of my Penguin Classics and ML (paperback) editions were pretty much destroyed after the first read (dog eared covers, cracked spines). In my opinion, the physical appearance and longevity of the book is most important, otherwise I'd just read all the classics in ebook format instead (considering they're free) - why waste money on something that's ugly and/or ruined after you've read it.

I will note that I have found the Penguin introductions/notes the best of the three, but as was said above, you can access some fairly good commentary online in any case.

>11 TineOliver: Yes, I like the extra material in the Penguins. Some of the Penguin Classics Kindle samples I've downloaded from Amazon include the full introduction (and sometimes chronology and other notes) which I read after I finish a free classic ebook :)

If its a work in translation I go by which translation I prefer. For translations and English works I then consider notes, extra materials, price and, yes, even cover art! I agree that Penguin usually strikes the best balance on what is note worthy. MLC seem like they go for more exciting names for their intros and other extras. I lean toward Penguin over all and the Penguin Classics line has a great origin story.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E._V._Rieu

I'd like to revive the topic with a slightly different take on the original question. I'd love to see informed opinions as to which editions are better ON KINDLE - penguin classics or oxford world classics? Which tends to handle footnotes the best?

I should say I have hundreds of hardcover penguins on my shelves, and a good number of oxfords, and many norton critical editions. I love them all. What I especially love are the annotations for references that are lost on the modern reader - as far as I'm concerned, the more annotations, the better. But on Kindle, footnotes are handled in a number of different ways, not all of them user friendly.

While I love my hard copies, with advancing years my eyes are not as good as they once were, and Kindle allows me to adjust the font size to what is comfortable. Some of my nortons, in particular, are in such a tiny font that it is a chore to read them.

Thanks!

I really enjoy the penguin classics series in cloth covers, they just feel great to hold.

Maybe it's just my experience but I've found Modern Library Classics to be more edgy or hipster feeling, though that might just be the content I've found. Penguin I see with what feel like more "classic" Classics.

I have a Penguin edition of Frankenstein, which is holding up just fine but I'm not a fan of the feel of the pages. I have scribbled all over it though, and the pages are good at holding pen. In Modern Library I have De Profundis and We, books I've never seen by another publisher, though I'll admit I never really looked. Not so fond of their cost on comparison. Penguin does have the feel of being a reliable stand-by.

>16 WeeTurtle: We was published in the last year by The Folio Society

I’ve started to collect the pan Macmillan collector’s library in cyan. But the old Macmillans. These are small books, sewn bindings and quite lovely.