I bought into the last one after the KS (basically hopped in on a pre-order) and was impressed with the quality, even if the first set of books is something I'm less likely to use. I think the tavern/town set would have been more useful for me.
Also, worth pointing out, for the $40 - you get "TWO" books...which come in one case. So you're getting the full 2'x2' playing area. The other pledge is for two SETS of books, so four books, for a larger play area.
Assuming these are like the last one, you get a little slip cover containing the two hardback books.