revised vs original

**linkinjen2001** · January 22nd, 2010

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?

**jallred350** · January 22nd, 2010

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

**Sarcade** · January 26th, 2010

I also liked the original more than the revision. Mainly because of

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.

**gniknehpets** · April 25th, 2010

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** · April 28th, 2010

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** · April 28th, 2010

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

**JohnDalglish** · April 28th, 2010

Originally Posted by 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)

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** · August 9th, 2010

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

**fromTull** · November 2nd, 2010

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** · December 3rd, 2010

Originally Posted by fromTull

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.