revised vs original

[linkinjen2001]

just purchased the revised edition of the gunslinger, i read the original version about five or six years ago and thought it was good. has anyone here read both versions? if so which do you think is best and why?:biggrin2:

[jallred350]

I liked the original better, but I'm probably in the minority here. I think he had to add some of it especially the 19 stuff so it meshes more with books 5-7.

[Sarcade]

I also liked the original more than the revision. Mainly because of the Beast, which was a concept I was dying to see fleshed out. Transforming this lurking monster that prowled the upper levels of the tower into the Crimson King in the revised version and what subsequently happened in the seventh book diluted that for me somewhat.

Although I will say the revision did clear up some fairly hideous '70s jive talkin': "dudes", "dig", etc.

Generally though, the original had a leaner, quite cold and brutal prose style which resonated well with me and is something I think King consciously shifted away from soon afterwards. Although I love the way he writes now, I do occasionally miss that clipped, no-nonsense harshness.

My opinion only, though: your mileage may vary. :grinning:

[gniknehpets]

I read all 7 as they were published, with those long and unbearable waits between each of them. I've read the original Gunslinger 3 or 4 times. I'm reading the revised edition right now (Roland has just met Jake) and I can see that the changes do establish a better connection to the following books. I'm so glad I did get to read this one the way it was written the first time but so far I feel the changes do help flesh out the story. One thing I do know, I'm hooked again and will have to spend the next few weeks re-reading the whole darn series, again... Ah, Jake, I do love you so.

[marlyne]

ive only read the book once, im not sure if it was the origanal or not... the library had two paperbacks with diff. covers... (obviously, i only grabbed one) but i am going to admit, if i read the gunslinger again, origanal or revised, im definately gonna end up reading the whole series again (thanks to the public library). how will i know which is the revised and which isnt? (im almost done with 7 so as long as u dont tell me whut happens at the end, u cant spoil it 4 me)

[GNTLGNT]

The book cover SHOULD say "revised". At least the paperback copy I purchased had that notation...

[JohnDalglish]

ive only read the book once, im not sure if it was the origanal or not... the library had two paperbacks with diff. covers... (obviously, i only grabbed one) but i am going to admit, if i read the gunslinger again, origanal or revised, im definately gonna end up reading the whole series again (thanks to the public library). how will i know which is the revised and which isnt? (im almost done with 7 so as long as u dont tell me whut happens at the end, u cant spoil it 4 me)

Hi,

Welcome to the MB, and keep posting!

Definitely re-read the revised (clearly marked, at least in UK).

And DON'T open any more DT threads until you've read the VERY last line of DT7.

Long days and pleasant nights

[flea]

Not read the revised version........yet

[fromTull]

I just finished the revised version, and I have to say I loved it. It always bothered me in the original how the characters' voices weren't established, or would sound like they weren't because of random out of character things they would say. Roland didn't sound like the Roland from DTII-- nor did Jake sound like himself. There was also a lot of uncharacteristic mannerisms and a few lines that hinted, but led no where. The symbolism in Roland's sacrifice of Jake has obvious gains now. Some parts felt muddy before. The palaver at the Golgotha is refreshingly clear in the revision. I like how the oracle is better developed. The confrontation seems memorable. Our minds won't have to work hard to remember the encounter should there be ramifications in later books. The connection between Roland sacrificing Jake and his reward for doing so is made clearer. I also don't remember Jake sounding so dang pitiful. He actually felt like Jake (from DT2-7). I didn't want to lose him. In the original he was just a boy. Loved the revised a hundred times better.

[CDennisMoore]

I didn't want to lose him. In the original he was just a boy. Loved the revised a hundred times better.

I got that, too, reading the revised edition, but it had been so long since I'd read the original I didn't know if I had imagined it. Good to know I wasn't alone in it, at least. Myself, I really loved the original. But I think anyone setting out on reading the series as a whole would benefit from the revised instead.

[randallFlaggfan1]

Hello, everyone!
I usually don't particularly care for re-makes, or revisions (if you will,) which explains why I've yet to read The Gunslinger, Revised. That being said, I have a few questions: it is really all that different from the original? Does it truly seem to flow better with volumes 2-7?

[JohnDalglish]

Hello, everyone!
I usually don't particularly care for re-makes, or revisions (if you will,) which explains why I've yet to read The Gunslinger, Revised. That being said, I have a few questions: it is really all that different from the original? Does it truly seem to flow better with volumes 2-7?

Hi,

Hmm, I don't have a copy of the original to compare it with any more, although I thought the orginal flowed pretty well anyway.

But I've always considered the Revised (Resumption!) as actually being volume eight.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Spideyman]

Hello, everyone!
I usually don't particularly care for re-makes, or revisions (if you will,) which explains why I've yet to read The Gunslinger, Revised. That being said, I have a few questions: it is really all that different from the original? Does it truly seem to flow better with volumes 2-7?

To me the original is the one and only - what was written from the beginning. Yes, I've read the revised- and IMHO prefer the original. If one starts with the revised, it adds/explains a few details ( gives the reader a little more water to drink on his/ her journey to the tower)- For one who read the entire journey and then read the revised version my reaction was still liking the original. I found those extra details within the later books. They are not that different in context- the basic remain the same.

[CDennisMoore]

But I've always considered the Revised (Resumption!) as actually being volume eight.

Definitely. I like that.

[dearborn1999]

The revised edition is a great read especially if your going to re read. I read the original the first time through the series then i read the revised my second time through. I really enjoyed all the little Easter eggs that tie it into the other stories better. I think Roland, Jake, and the man in blacks characters are much deeper in the revised. And I love the sense of deja vu when i re read like this in new and yet i have been here before. I recommend reading both to be honest but read the revised after u finish the series the 1st time. Some lil things i remember were Roland runs into a taheen from algo santo. The oracle is more feminine i believe. The palaver seems deeper and the man in black seems to no more this time around. Also answers a theory i had that Roland and Walter or like a y10706ing yang, Each of Rolands Journeys creats worlds and walter destroys. Idk like i said read both.

[randallFlaggfan1]

Dearborn1999 - I am very appreciative of your input. Though I liked the flow of the original, and did not think it needed any clarification, I am now very curious about the revised edition. When I finally re-read the series, I might just have to find a copy of the revision, and journey from there.