content: Faulkner's "Collected Stories" (paperback edition) are excellent works of literature. They have a lyrical quality and depict bold characters. This collection of stories is my favorite of my entire library.However, I originally purchased this book in April 2011, but found the printing rather smudged and many of the words were lighter than the rest of the text. I am ordering another copy of the paperback edition with hopes that the problem has been resolved. I'll report back.