When comparing On Lisp vs Common LISP: A Gentle Introduction to Symbolic Computation, the Slant community recommends On Lisp for most people. In the question“What are the best resources to learn Common Lisp?” On Lisp is ranked 2nd while Common LISP: A Gentle Introduction to Symbolic Computation is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose On Lisp is:
A free version of the book can be downloaded on Paul Graham's [website](http://www.paulgraham.com/onlisptext.html).
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Pros
Pro Free
A free version of the book can be downloaded on Paul Graham's website.
Pro Clear language
It's written in an simple, informal, yet articulate style.
Pro Available free online
This book is available online for free as a PDF.
Pro Concepts are clearly explained
This book will give the reader a solid understanding of programming fundamentals. All concepts are very well explained using diagrams, exercises (with answers provided), analogies and more.
Cons
Con Not a good starting placing for beginners
This book requires the reader to already have an intermediate-level experience with Common Lisp.
Con Sometimes relies on macros too much
Con Poor formatting in Kindle edition
Formatting of code examples in the Kindle version is lost, resulting in the code being extremely difficult to follow and read.