These are the real McCoy, right down to Joplin's own tempo recommendations (the famous "Not too fast" adornes the Peacherine Rag, as in the original). If you want to tackle the master's own works, this is the place to go. Schirmer does a fine job in cataloging these masterpieces, and these are re-engravings of the original scores--crisp, clear and easy to read. This book also contains Joplin's syncopation exercises, helpful in understanding his work.