225 titles for $49.95!
http://www.yesterdaysclassics.com/o/back.php
Talk me in or out of this, please!!!!
Pros: good books; nice formatting; linked table of contents; illustrations included in the books; come in Kindle and Epub formats for decent price.
Cons: not overly useful if you don't have an ereader; many titles available free at Gutenberg, so you may be paying for something that you could get free elsewhere
:)
Pros: I have read the formatting of the YC version of these books is considerably more user friendly, with a clickable TOC and illustrations that were in the original books included in their version. I understand that once you own the file, you can put all the books on all your e-reader or computer devices. I also understand that if you purchase the EPUB file, they will send you the Kindle file if needed at no extra charge (and vice versa). This is just what I have read on other forums, but I don't know for a fact as I haven't purchased the collection. When I was first considering using the AO curriculum and the question of if the collection was really "that much better than the Gutenberg versions" came up, everyone that purchased the YC collection said "YES", no one said it wasn't worth it (that's when it was on sale for $99).
Cons: My hesisitation is that I have so many books I'd like to include in our curriculum that are in addition to ones in this collection, I'm not sure in reality I will get to many of the selections. I haven't purchased this yet because I am afraid they will not be read like the many books already on my Kindle that I'd love to read, but don't have time.
At YC's prior sale price of $99, I decided it wouldn't be worth it for us, as I could buy the few books I plan to definately include in our curriculum used for cheaper (or just read the free versions despite the shortcomings). At this new sale price, I may reconsider buying it.
Ouch. I bought it back when it went on sale for 99. Wah 
I bought it at $99 last year and I think $49 is a STEAL!!! Yes, many of these titles are free at Gutenberg. However, the formatting on the YC versions is just beautiful: chapters are linked and illustrations are included.
I also love the book descriptions that comes with the books. It gives me an idea of reading level, time frame, etc. That is very useful when planning readings for history.
Last year we used quite a few of the books - both for my 10YO and my 6YO (and my two little ones loved me to read some of the fairy tales to them). Knowing that I'll have them for all four of my kids for years to come makes them worth every penny!
I, too, prefer the YC formatting and linked TOC. I may need to head over there now...
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