The Stand (complete and uncut edition), by Stephen King

March 30, 2007 by Jessica

Most people think of Stephen King as a Horror writer, but he’s an accomplished Fantasy novelist, too. In this apocalyptic vision, a military-grade bioweapon has been loosed on the world, killing 99.9% of the population. After civilization breaks down, the remainder sort themselves into two communities, following elderly Mother Abigail or the Walkin’ Dude, Randall Flagg, until a final confrontation. Warning: this is a very long book— but if you want Good vs. Evil, you’ll get it on every page. 1990, F King, 1153 pp.

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Posted in Books, Fantasy, Jessica's Picks, Readers' advisory | 9 Comments

9 Responses

on April 10, 2007 at 10:43 am | Reply andrewreads

Jess,

I have to disagree with you on this one. The complete and uncut edition shows exactly why editors are crucial to the publishing process – it is full of extraneous scenes that don’t add anything to the development of the story (although some of them do explain a couple of stray passages in the original edition), but that do add more than 300 extra pages to the book.

I agree that this is the best example of Stephen King’s writing, and that is saying something – I don’t think he’s recognized nearly enough for his ability to craft sentences, create characters, and develop strong plots. But saying that he (or Tom Clancy, another example of the phenomenon) don’t need editors to tighten them up because the books will sell anyway does his readers a disservice.
on April 10, 2007 at 8:57 pm | Reply Jessica

Eh. Depends on how much you read for detail. When I read a good fantasy, I want as much detail, as much character development, as much world-building as I can get. Many other hardcore SK fans, of whom there are many, would agree. We’re happy to compromise pacing and narrative coherence just to milk a few extra lines of dialog from the bad guy. But what makes us happy– all that glorious extra detail– is irritating to other readers. So I’d say you’re probably right. The original version of The Stand is a better book as a whole– but the extra material makes the uncut edition a better choice for detail-driven readers and/or rabid Stephen King fans.
on July 31, 2007 at 10:02 am | Reply kandy

I would like to get a book signed by Stephen how would i go about that. It’s an older book that I own (The Stand ) .
on November 13, 2007 at 11:59 pm | Reply Introducing Blogging for a Good Book — …With Intent to Commit Horror

[…] under the category, “Jessica’s Picks”, including Sunshine by Robin McKinley and The Stand (complete and uncut edition) by Stephen […]
on December 27, 2008 at 11:44 pm | Reply beth

I Have a first edition hardcover The Stand and i am 15 and the thing I want the very most is to get my favourite book of all time signed by the most superb author whom has ever lived…. but how the heck could I go about doing that?! god i wish Larry and Stu and Glen and Nick and everyone was actually real. but anyways anyone know how I could get a book signed i doubt it but worth a shot?? anyone..?
on December 29, 2008 at 12:24 pm | Reply Jessica

Beth,

I know what you mean. Stephen King has a lot of detractors, but even his critics have to admit that he tells a good story with good characters.

If you haven’t read his Stephen King’s Dark Tower series yet, run out and grab the first book, The Gunslinger, as soon as you can. The seven books in the series will go a long way toward filling the void left by The Stand.

As for getting it signed, I wasn’t able to find good news for you. According to SK’s website, he only signs books at planned bookstore signings. I’m afraid the website chooses, deliberately, to not publish the schedule of signings, so it looks like you’re out of luck until you can find him at a bookstore or other planned signing event.
on January 23, 2009 at 10:43 pm | Reply beth

well thats too bad :( oh well i live near maine and his new book is coming out this fall, perhaps ( very miniscule chance) he may do book signings seeing that i might be goibg to Bangor Maine this fall anyways (if he is even there in the fall)
on June 17, 2012 at 11:43 pm | Reply Russ

Beth, best time to go is, ironically, Halloween. He sometimes stays at the ol’ mansion and hands candy out to the kids (sometimes, not all the time though..)
on October 4, 2013 at 12:12 am | Reply Doctor Sleep, by Stephen King | Blogging for a Good Book

[…] I might have to admit that I do have favorites, and that several of them are by Stephen King. The Stand. Salem’s Lot. Christine. The Green Mile. The Dead Zone. Night Shift. And, of course, The […]

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