Buy the hardback version
924448
So much has been said about this excellent book, but I wanted to comment on the difference between the hardback and paperback versions. As some other reviewers have noted, this is a narrow book with a slim inner margin. With the paperback version, you can't lay the book open without cracking the binding. I think it was obvious the design was made with the hardback version in mind; the paperback seems an afterthought. The hardback also has a ribbon for bookmarking your page, which is very handy in a book like this. This is the sort of book you'll use as a reference for years, and it only costs a few dollars more for a much sturdier version.

Don't buy this book if you don't like to read. It isn't a quick guide that will cram the basics of typography into your skull before tomorrow's midterm exam. This is the sort of book you curl up with when you have a long rainy afternoon to yourself. It is long-winded, goes off on tangents, and the author, while immensely knowledgeable, is set in opinions that will not be shared by everyone. An opinionated typographer (and aren't we all?) will read some passages in twitchy annoyance, wishing one could call up that Mr. Bringhurst and tell him a thing or two. But whether you agree or disagree, you will be thinking of your reasons, evaluating your conceptions and becoming better for it. Reading this book is like having a deep conversation with your favorite friend who is keen to discuss the nuances of typography with you hour after hour. Except probably your friends are like mine and wouldn't recognize a ligature if it bit them on the serif, which is why this book inspires so much devotion. It's personal, poetic, and speaks to your heart - if your heart happens to be full of glyphs.
4794836
The classic Daphne duMaurier novel from which Hitchcock made his famous film is always a good read, but be advised that this edition, though technically a hardback, which is what I ordered, is just the small paperback edition (4" x 6 1/4") encased in a hardcover, and is printed on poor quality paper as well.  Should have been mentioned. in the product description, which is why only three stars.
937408
If you buy this get the paperback. I have both the paperback and the kindle version for my iPad, and the paperback is awesome. But the kindle version doesn't have a verb search, or any kind of useful search at all. There are no pages, only locations of 1-8000 (which makes no sense) the verb paragraph examples are one page off so the next verb gets the previous verbs example (as confusing as quantum physics) no page organization, and no color format. For 10 F-bleeping-dollars?!?!
3049621
This is purely a comment on the edition by BiblioLife, ISBN 978-1110338429, and not on any other edition of this book that may appear, and concerns only the physical production of the book. You never know what you are going to get with one of these reproductions of old booksI have had some that are virtually unreadableso I am posting this just to let possible buyers know that this particular edition has clear black type properly centered on plain white pages, a good solid binding, and nice-looking hard covers.
2095462
Rick Steves' Spain 2013 Rick Steves; I highly recommend the Kindle version much better than hard copy. That is what I will do from now on. Since you are able to search the book, highlight, etc.
740258
I really would've liked this better in hard copy.  I bought it on my kindle (I just got my first ever less than 6 months ago) and I am not tech savvy.  I never figured out how to access some of the content.  Had I ordered the hard copy, I imagine it would've all been there.
365340
The original hardcover version of this book is only available from specialty book sellers. It is also a better quality version than the current softcover version, e.g. typographical errors. Unfortuantely some book sellers such as Supermart advertise the original hardcopy (showing the original dust cover on the Amazon web page) but ship the current softcopy version. Supermart does not provide a customer service phone number or instructions for RMA processing. I sent several emails to Supermart and Amazon requesting the hard cover version (as adveretised) and instructions for returning the softcover version they sent me. Never heard from either company. I finally found a reputable book store in NY that did send me the original hardcover version in impeccable condition. Be cautious when using Amazon Marketplace affiliates. Unless they provide a customer service contact, phone numbers, and stated return policy, find another seller.
3337195
This review is of the Kindle edition.  I caught a glimpse of the hardcover version and its MUCH better.
I found the subject material to be interesting but the writing was sort of disorganized.
All the cool graphics and side bar notes aren't presented well in the kindle version. Go for the hardback if you want to get the most of this.
1185225
Be aware that the paperback version of this book is a few dollars cheaper than the digital file. This practice continues to bewilder me. I would love to read this book again on my kindle, but will not succumb to the price gouging Penguin is establishing.

If you do choose to read this book (either version), you'll enjoy an early masterpiece by Steinbeck.
2840994
My son and I love this book, though the picture quality is not as good as in the hardback edition.
4802414
I have both the hardcopy and the kindle edition of this book. Not only is the content layout on the kindle edition a mess next to that the kindle edition is more expensive! The hardcopy on the other hand is a very nice book which I would recommend.
1101139
I have read the hardback copy of this book and loved it. However, when I read the preview for the Kindle Edition I was horrified. The same basic events happen in both books but the words are completely different. This preview looks as if it was her original rough draft of the story with rough, unpolished language and jerky storytelling. If you want to see the difference for yourself, read the Amazon previews for both the Kindle Edition and the Hardback edition. The covers are completely different as well and I personally prefer the cover with Allie walking in the dark versus staring at her red hair. The red hair is not the focus of the story. The night, more accurately the Night School, is the true focus of the story so that is what should be on the cover. Please, if you're considering buying this story, get it in the hardback edition, not the Kindle edition. From what I've seen of the previews of this edition, it is not worth the money. The hardback edition of&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Night-School/dp/0062193856/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Night School</a>&nbsp;is the best version of this story I've seen. Check it out!
2144837
The formatting of this book sucked.  Buy the hard copy.  It will be worth the extra money to see the pictures and not have a hard time with the formatting.
4308024
No fair! I want to order it, but I want a good old fashioned paperback version of this book, not a bloody kindel version. I like collecting paperbacks better than these 'electronic books', because at least there's no chance of losing the story forever if it tears, unlike kindles that will break causing you to lose any and all stories and programs you had on it.

I want my paperbacks!
2007575
I was about to buy the Kindle version of this book till I discovered that it is more expensive than the hard cover version. Why is that? It is totally contrary to previous practices as electronic publishing is clearly less expensive than paper print. So thanks, but no thanks, Amazon.
1644879
This is one of my favorite books ever, and I'd love to have a Kindle version to go along with my two dog-eared copies. But there's no way I'm shelling out $17 for an electronic, DRMed copy of a book that has been out nearly 15 years now.

I realize the pricing decision wasn't Amazon's, and I'm sympathetic to the publisher's stated desire to price new release Kindle editions above the $9.99 price point and then bring them down in price over time (the record companies said they'd do the same thing with cds, and that never happened), but this makes me think that they are just trying to kill off the Kindle platform.

Buy the paperback - skip the Kindle version until the publisher prices it appropriately.
98017
I bought the paperback version because the hardback is unavailable and I am very disappointed because the colors are so faded. I bought it as a gift and now I don't want to give it. The illustrations are so beautiful & vibrant in my hardback version.