The Stand

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 47 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

This is the way the world ends: with a nanosecond of computer error in a Defense Department laboratory and a million casual contacts that form the links in a chain letter of death.

And here is the bleak new world of the day after: a world stripped of its institutions and emptied of 99 percent of its people. A world in which a handful of panicky survivors choose sides - or are chosen. A world in which good rides on the frail shoulders of the 108-year-old Mother Abagail - and the worst nightmares of evil are embodied in a man with a lethal smile and unspeakable powers: Randall Flagg, the dark man.

In 1978, Stephen King published The Stand, the novel that is now considered to be one of his finest works. But as it was first published, The Stand was incomplete, since more than 150,000 words had been cut from the original manuscript.

Now Stephen King's apocalyptic vision of a world blasted by plague and embroiled in an elemental struggle between good and evil has been restored to its entirety. The Stand: The Complete and Uncut Edition includes material previously deleted, along with new material that King added as he reworked the manuscript for a new generation. It gives us new characters and endows familiar ones with new depths. It has a new beginning and a new ending. What emerges is a gripping work with the scope and moral complexity of a true epic.

For hundreds of thousands of fans who heard The Stand in its original version and wanted more, this new edition is Stephen King's gift. And those who are listening to The Stand for the first time will discover a triumphant and eerily plausible work of the imagination that takes on the issues that will determine our survival.

Cover artwork ©2020 CBS Interactive Inc.

©1978 Stephen King (P)2012 Random House

Critic reviews

"A master storyteller." (Los Angeles Times)

"[The Stand] has everything. Adventure. Romance. Prophecy. Allegory. Satire. Fantasy. Realism. Apocalypse. Great!" (The New York Times Book Review)

"As brilliant a dark dream as has ever been dreamed in this century." (Palm Beach Post)

not a bad story

not bad. I stayed interested. some of the things that happen have me saying give me a break. I didnt like the ending so much. only one narrator. not that he's bad just not my fave

King is...King

The level of detail King provides really paints a picture from start to finish. I found myself asking what I would do if this ever happened. What makes a book great in my opinion is the authors ability to make the characters relatable and King does just that. 47 hours is a long time, longest book I listened to so far but it was well worth it.

A Long Journey - An Excellent Ride

I had no idea what this book was going to be about. But I was surprised and pleased with King's direction, characters, and touches of magic and faith. I'm glad that I experienced this complete and unabridged version - I hate to think what I would have missed!

finished it and immediately started again

wow this is my new favorite book of all time. There are too many great characters to have a favorite (Kojac and Tom Cullins). This book grabbed me, made me laugh aloud and cry silently. I finished it and did something I never imagined, started it again. A must read for all story lovers

I legit wish this was longer than 48 hours

I never wanted this book to end. And if I’m a 29-year-old valley girl from California and loved this book, anyone will. Probably the best book I’ve ever listened to on audible. And there have been a fck ton.

Wonderful storytelling - storyteller

I revisit this book annually, if not more often, and find the audiobook a terrific medium.
Rich in story, the characters add to the wonder of what if...how would people truly behave? How would you behave?
An original in today's zombie riddled stories/movies.
I doubt I will find another author similar to Me. King in my lifetime.

No sound for a large section of the book

Starting at chapter 24 to about chapter 44 there is no sound, please correct and send the missing chapters

Great book

Once again, Stephen King does not disappoint. This book had a phenomenal story and it was read by a phenomenal narrator. I would strongly recommend this title to all.

Good story, but too long

I had never read (or listened to) The Stand before, and as a result, I think this extended version is better suited for individuals who have. I had a hard time getting through approximately hours 10-30 because it was so much detail and background on characters, which did not have much context until much further into the story. Even then, I felt like much of what I'd learned about those characters provided little value to the story itself. Now had I been familiar with The Stand prior and had gotten to know just enough about those characters in previous passes, then I think I would have found the TON of extra details and diversions more enjoyable. So to state it simply, Stephen King is amazing and The Stand seems to be legendary, but if you've had no exposure to the novel, save yourself some hours and listen to the original version.

Extraordinary

This is my third time through this book. Every time I learn something new. I find that it has strengthened my faith, both in man, and in God, more than anything else I have ever read.
I will continue to revisit it frequently. It is one of the five most important books I have ever read.