Original Version vs. The Complete & Uncut Version

**SharonC** · June 21st, 2012

I bought the edited first version, and loved it but when the uncut version was published, I just found so much more to love. Certain characters were given more depth and others who were only mentioned in the first actually made an appearance. I guess what I'm trying to say here is the newer version had more meat in it.

**blunthead** · June 21st, 2012

If memory serves it wasn't sK's idea to cut the original, and so the uncut version is what he had originally wished published. This means the uncut version is Stephen King's version, it is what the author himself calls The Stand. I haven't read the cut version, which I imagine is a great read, but I also imagine if I were to I'd miss the original, but that's just me.

**91rewoT** · June 21st, 2012

First read the original 30ish years ago, then a few rereads before the uncut version was published. Love the uncut version, but think you should read the original, just because! M-o-o-n spells read-it!!

**do1you9love?** · June 22nd, 2012

I am one of the folks who read the original first and loved it. Then I found the uncut edition - which as mentioned above, was not the version SK intended. I loved that one even more because so many backstories are fleshed out.

My thoughts are, if you started with the uncut version and go to the original it will be the same feeling as watching a movie of a book you loved and realizing that important characters have mysteriously disappeared. I agree with others that you should read both, but I suspect that you will find yourself thinking, "But what about...?"

**ArthurMacArthur** · July 11th, 2012

I'm reading the big one, and nary a word shouldn't be there..

**carrie's younger brother** · September 6th, 2012

Originally Posted by carrie's younger brother

I read The Stand when it was first published in paperback in 1980 and then once again before the complete and uncut version was released. Just last night I decided to read the complete and uncut version and purchased it for my Kindle. I plan to start it within the next day or so. I'm not as fast a reader as I once was, but I will come back with my opinion once I am done. To be honest, I don't think i remember the original version well enough to know what is "new." I am very excited to reread this amazing book though.

I've been rereading The Stand since June 1, when I posted the above. As of today, I am ONLY HALFWAY THROUGH! Well, 51% through on my Kindle. What is wrong with me? I always tear through SK books, but I just can't seem to get into this reread of The Stand for some reason. My first reading was back when it was first published in paperback, so that would be 1980. I may have reread it once since then, but I cannot remember. On this reread though, there are parts where I love it and can't stop reading, but then I'll get to to other parts and I want to fall asleep (and I do!). Especially Frannie's diary. Boring.

I think part of the problem is that I keep seeing the characters as they are in the movie; and I do not like the movie at all (can't take a lot of the actors). I wish I could erase that memory and start fresh. Oh well. I am committed to finishing the book, so I'll check back sometime in December

'cause at this rate, that's about when I'll be done.

**they all float down here** · September 10th, 2012

I am in the "more was better" to i really love the uncut book

**Raggedy Man** · September 14th, 2012

I have read both versions and if I had to choose one version I would choose the uncut version. Recently a friend of mine finished the uncut version and asked me about the differences which I could easily explain to her. A great book and the additional detail really completes the work in my opinion

**Skeletal_Dragon** · September 24th, 2012

You know, funny thing. I was thinking about getting The Stand and found it at a resale shop just today. The one I got is the Complete and Uncut edition paperback by Signet. Is it really that good? I might just start reading it today for some fun.

**kimdriscoll** · September 27th, 2012

I'm approaching about 75% finished, and I LOVE this book...Of course I have my favorite characters...Nick Andros being one of them...(and who couldn't adore Tom Cullen)...SK does an amazing job of drawing the reader in with worry and anticipation about the future...I cannot seem to read fast enough...