I have only the much reviled second edition, which came with some Pewter ed cards. It is absolutely wonderful. The cardstock is --as greatdane aptly describes it-- nice and heavy and
crunchy. If this is the worst one, then the others must be marvelous beyond belief.
Mine is "pewterized" --that is, I very carefully edged the cards with metallic silver. The new edges are less shiny than the Pewter ones --which look like liquid moonlight--, but I find they match the muted colors of the deck much better.
Almost a year later, I have seen and owned all editions except the Silver, and I must say, Gulliver, that's a tough call to make. Each one has its unique virtues.
Contrary to a lot of people, apparently, I don't have a problem with any of the Lovers' cards. But my favorite Lovers card is still that of the first edition. (Is she a he? Is she a vampire? Is she, in fact,
the vampire, and not the man who is seductively kissing her neck?) Indeed, as far as imagery, lighting, atmosphere, and sheer evocative power, the first edition is my personal favorite. Like my dear greatdane puts it, the others are basically gilding the lily.
Now, as far as cardstock goes, the third is probably the best of all. It's Goldilocks cardstock: not too thin, not too thick; not too laminated, not too nude; not too heavy, not too flimsy. However, I love the thick crunchiness of the 2nd ed, and the silky feel of the first. Like I said, tough call.
And then you have the Pewter, which is identical in every detail to the regular 2nd ed (down to the crunchy cardstock) except for its wonderfully luxurious pewter edges. And also the mini --the imagery of the 3rd edition as seen through a telescope, nice and nitid, and those intricately silver-foiled backs. You shuffle it, and you see glimpses of light between your fingers. I read with it at a New Year's Eve party, and everybody was in awe of the cards. (Including me.)
When all is said and done, though, I'd vote for the Silver ed sight unseen. Yes, it's probably another case of gilding the lily --almost literally. But I close my eyes, and can almost picture what those silvery highlights can do to
those images. Almost. Such elusive play of light and shadow, enhancing the very elusiveness of the first ed... It has to be perfection. It
has to be.