Stephen King Fans discussion

All,
I’m currently reading through the stand for the first time and am loving it. I’m very curious of the differences between the 90 version (what I’m currently reading) and the 78 version. Does anyone know where a copy (pdf or physical) can be found of the original published text?

When I got my copy of the original, it was the only version out. These days you have to go to the secondary market to find a copy. I don't know of a pdf or text file of the original book, but there are several good online resources that detail the differences.

For me, I prefer the original. While the 1990s version brings it in to King's Dark Tower mythology, the result is messy and unfocused. Only the scene between Frannie and her grandfather before his death felt necessary and the new "epic" ending rendered the finale of the original cheap and pointless.

Searching out the original is worthwhile. The original is a masterpiece; the rewrite is...my least favorite King book.