I own both and like Robin, I wouldn't be able to decide between them. Even though both breeders have been working with ball pythons and reptiles in general for a bazillion years, the subtle differences in approaches and "what works for them" makes owning and reading both books excellent research for one's self and figuring out your own approach. =)

Although I have to say the Barker's book is better if kept by the door as a self-defense weapon...sucker weighs a million pounds, could seriously bop someone on the head with it.