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)

Great Long Listen

Perfect book to listen to at work or during long days, with an interesting story that takes unexpected turns. would recomend if you like long books and lots of characters, also narrated very well.

Pandemic during the Pandemic

For years i have wanted to listen/read this book. I started this back when Kobe Bryant passed away. I just finished it on 4/13 the day after Easter. the U.S. is on avg 1500 to 2000 deaths a day now. Kings Pandemic was far worse but in many way very similar. This book is massive, yet the real thing could be another 12lb book. How he wrote this in an era when this was not even a glimmer on the horizon. He wrote this to be like J.R.R. Tolkien books, and feel he missed that mark to a degree. if your reading it because of that, then your missing all the other great reasons to read it. I'm rambling, if you read it- it's worth it. stay safe and healthy out there everyone. peace n love.

Timeless

I read this version several years ago, and I can say this audio version hooked me the same as the print novel. The narrator is excellent and does a great job distinguishing between dialogue. The story and characters are riveting and catch your attention at every turn. I would recommend this for long time King readers to those looking for something new to dive into. Overall excellent. Worth the purchase.

a very long story

this is a very long story. too long to enjoy. the original story published in 1978 gives a more concise and satisfying read.

How does the “Stand” stand up over time?

Solid story , it’s held up fairly well over time.
Characters are engaging and memorable
Great audio performance.
As much as I wanted to love the extra length of the book I found some of the story too drawn out and boring

it was a great story to listen to

enjoyed it. couldn't wait for the next chapter. won't go wrong listening to it have fun

not stoping listening

at first i was not sure about this category book but when i started i cant stop listening.

great listen just a rant on a character

This is more of a rant than anything. I just want to put it out there that Frannie is just unbearably annoying. many listeners/readers like her, but she is a whinny little b**** to me. I thought she would mature later on, but it didn't happened. I don't know how Stu put up with her with his type of personality. She signifies a lot in modern day reality, but with a apocalypse type event, I would think she would quickly mature. She made things worse as far as I see it.
Plus, God is a POS in this as he is in reality.

Couldn’t stop listening

I loved this book ,, I listened everywhere couldn’t stop, I got a little confused here and there had to rewind and make mental notes,, somethings I found I found to be ridiculous and I don’t wanna give anything away but WHY DIDNT ANYONE CARRY FLASHLIGHTS,, had me in tears a few times and in ahhh a lot definitely worth a listen ,, I know it’s long but you’ll thank yourself later

One of the all time best

Love this book. Love the characters. Love this VO actor.

It's long but it's worth it.