Folio Society Aubrey/Maturin Series

Apologies if you've already picked up on this.

The Folio Society who have already published the first seven of the Aubrey/ Maturin books have announced that they will be producing the entire series.

http://www.foliosociety.com/news

Plus, if you're not a member, one of the introductory offers is the first five Aubrey/Maturin books for $14.95. No, not each, all five!

Edit: So I joined...

...

Oh dear. That's pure trouble.

(edit) - Grr. They changed the offer to the first 4 books for $20, but I may still have to join to get them.

Parelle, I think that might be based on your/my location.

Yup, I just figured that out. It's 4/$20 in the US, and the deal varies regionally.

Just wanted to cross-post a link to Susan_KH's very very helpful description of the books (and their comparison to the Easton Press editions) on what the books look like (maps! period illustrations!)..

http://www.librarything.com/topic/88156#1998687

I'm curious as to the relative merits of the Folio Society and Easton Press editions, and by extension editions from other presses providing the complete series.

My initial thoughts:
- Easton Press has complete series available now, FS not yet complete but apparently committed.
- Both have illustrations, but I've not seen examples from either: anyone who has, care to comment? For example, I'm curious if both include maps, and whether they're specific to each volume or a common map reprinted in each volume. Similarly, are diagrams (of ships) included, and are they specific to each volume.
- I think I prefer the dark blue leather of Easton's edition, to the light blue of FS.
- Price appears to be comparable, save for shipping for FS depending upon location (I've followed the thread on this in the FS group)
- I believe Easton's endpapers are identical for each volume; FS has endpaper unique to each volume?

I want to join one or another to get this series specifically, and appreciate help in making a decision.

I've found this very helpful post which answers some of my questions, but still curious as to contributions of others:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/88156#1998687

ETA I am an idiot
I'm not sure how I failed to notice parelle's post linking to the exact post I list above, just one above my own post. Nearly a month earlier. But I failed to notice. Thanks, parelle, and, um, apologies.

I only have the FS volumes so can't speak to the EP edition. However, they do have illustrations, some are period paintings that are tied to various scenes. The end papers are maps, but I'll have to go back and check to see if they are different for each. There is usually a simple illustration at the end of each chapter. At the moment I don't recall particular diagrams of ships, but there are a number of diagrams of battle sequences. They are also sturdy enough to sustain a hug if you are seized with a fit of affection for Jack Aubrey.