Thoughts - edited collection/reader or single authored textbook?

[feministyogini]

I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this.  When you've taught intro. classes, do you find it more helpful to have students read single authored intro textbooks or edited collection/readers?  Generally, I present the overarching theories/ideas and use course texts to illustrate those ideas (i.e. readings apply theory) or the course texts support the theory/idea (i.e. canonical articles). I've always used a reader since it provides varied perspectives/topics and students can get a taste of trunicated canonical texts.  However, single authored textbooks are kinda "easy" in that there's more coherence and flow, and I think students gravitate to them more.

I know there are benefits and drawbacks to each, but which do you prefer for intro. classes and why?