Uncut version vs. original version

[Ophelia]

Hi, all. I ordered The Stand via amazon.com and realized that what I have is the "for the first time complete and uncut" version and not the original version.

Was this a mistake? Is it a waste of time to read the whole uncut version? Are there unnecessary parts? Do the extra parts make it better?

I plan on reading the version that I have, but I'm just curious.

[Moderator]

The version published in 1978 is no longer in print so you would have to buy a used copy to get that one. Depending upon how you define it, the "original" version, i.e. not the one Doubleday edited when it put out the 1978 edition, is the complete and uncut version published in 1990.

[bluespider]

Well if you read A preface in two parts at the beginning,i think it explains pretty well why it was cut in the first place.
i think it s always better to read something the way it was born and the way the author intended it.
considering that the reason for cutting it was purely " at the behest of the accounting department " i would say the edition you have, is what Sai King meant to publish.
said so, i read the cut edition when it first came out and it could surely work the way it was cut, well, he did a great job.
but IMO the uncut one is more complete, it helps to define better the characters, while you are looking at their actions and reactions.
just to add more spice to the stew, i would say

[Ophelia]

Thanks, you two! I will gladly read the one I have.

[LauraJo]

What are the main omissions from the original version?? I'm just curious...i've only read the uncut version and dont know what I'd cut!

[JohnDalglish]

What are the main omissions from the original version?? I'm just curious...i've only read the uncut version and dont know what I'd cut!

Hi,

From memory, the entire episode with The Kid is missing. and also much of Frannie's discourse with her mother.

Long days and pleasant nights

[aeroplane]

The Nick Andros story (from the early chapters) is also shortened, as well.

A lot of stuff is trimmed a little but the chapters with The Kid and Fran are the most noticeable.

[teejay17]

I've never read the shortened version, but the Uncut is kick-ass.

[Adrian]

I have the uncut version, yeah.
Its much better.

[hesterloli]

Careful this has a spoiler. Read at your own Risk.
:down:
One of the major differences between the original version and the uncut version is that in the original version Randal Flagg dies. In the uncut version he escapes. Actually this bothers me. I did not like the way the original version ended. It was a cop out and was a let down for such a long story. But then to hear that Flagg now survives really come on! I think King needs to take that Deau ex machina that he discusses in Misery to heart.

[amcbride]

Careful this has a spoiler. Read at your own Risk.
:down:
One of the major differences between the original version and the uncut version is that in the original version Randal Flagg dies. In the uncut version he escapes. Actually this bothers me. I did not like the way the original version ended. It was a cop out and was a let down for such a long story. But then to hear that Flagg now survives really come on! I think King needs to take that Deau ex machina that he discusses in Misery to heart.


I have read only the uncut version, but I liked the ending where Flagg seems to dissappear

Flagg has traveled throughout many worlds and times and has bred his evil wherever he goes, and he always able to "escape" or fade away when he has to, I think this is what makes Flagg my favorite King villian. Have you read "The Eyes of the Dragon"? that book really explains Flagg's abilities and I think it will justify the ending of The Stand a little better, I know it does for me.