Better, Best
While some good writers violate the rule, yet the best authorities restrict the use of the comparative degree to two objects.
“Mary is the better scholar of the two.”
“Although both are young, Susan is the younger.”
“Of two evils, choose the lesser,” not the least.
Former, First
Former and latter being adjectives of the comparative degree, should be used in speaking of two objects. When more than two objects are named, use first and last.
“My sons, John and Luther, are both at college. The first expects to study law, and the last to study medicine.” Use former and latter.
“New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago are the most populous cities in the United States. The former has long been at the front; the latter has only recently entered the race.” Use first and last instead of former and latter.