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  • The Stand

  • Written by: Stephen King
  • Narrated by: Grover Gardner
  • Length: 47 hrs and 47 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (2,975 ratings)

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The Stand

Written by: Stephen King
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
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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
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What the critics say

"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)

Editorial Review

Discover what is hailed as one of Stephen King’s greatest novels in The Stand. This bold and imaginative post-apocalyptic story examines the world just after nearly all of civilization has been wiped out. What remains undergoes a mighty power struggle amidst the dangers of a recent pandemic as well as violence, as good and evil battle it out in a drastically changed world.

This audiobook adaptation has been rewritten and remastered to include new themes, new characters, and all that was cut from his original version of the story. Stephen King’s The Stand now has more action, more conflict, and even more epic adventures interwoven with moral dilemmas and heavy themes of what is right and wrong. Main character Randall Flagg aka The Dark Man, a sorcerer and follower of the ‘Outer Dark,’ presides over the story, wreaking havoc on the people of the new world after an ‘end of the world’ superflu pandemic wipes out much of the former world population. The story takes place in a post apocalyptic world but references real world locations like Boulder, Colorado, Las Vegas, Nebraska and New York, adding to the eerie feel of the story.

Though the story remains the same at its heart, in this audiobook adaptation, the uncut version of this King novel is an expanded and heightened tale that includes alterations to the end. Whether you are a long-time fan of the epic series, have watched the Netflix TV show series, or are discovering The Stand for the first time, this uncut option will give you the best idea of the story King most wanted to write, and offer an exciting new ending.

Grover Gardner narrates this version, bringing a brilliant performance as gripping and tense as it is entertaining. He blends his style with King’s effortless storytelling for a perfect marriage of voices, delivering the tone and feel of the story with ease.

Featured Article: Stephen King’s 32 Best Audiobooks: The Definitive List

Stephen King is one of the most prolific authors of all time. He has published 61 novels, more than 200 short stories, and six nonfiction books—and he shows no sign of stopping. With such an extensive portfolio, choosing one audiobook can be daunting. We’ve compiled a list of the 32 best Stephen King audiobooks to make the choice easier. Whether you’re looking to get stuck into one of his creepy, classic stories or a sci-fi novella, you’ll find a title on this list that will get your heart racing.

What listeners say about The Stand

Average Customer Ratings
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my favorite stephen king

this was always my favorite book and even though i only read it twice and am now listening to it. the story has never left me. i am really enjoying this audible version its like reading it for the first time. i left more than 10 years between readings which means i dont remember all the details and that makes it the first time again. one of his greatest

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Great book! But a bit long and a weak second act

Fantastic book from the master of horror, Grover did an amazing job in narrating and really gave life to these characters. Only real issue with the book is it drags on a but too long in the second act and kind if has an abrupt conclusion when it comes to the big fight between the freezone and darkman. Other then that it is one of Stephen Kings better stories.

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First Book

This was my first try at using this program and I am very pleased with the ease of use.

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My All-time Favourite

Loved it as I do each time I read it.

Very well told and I'll be listening to again I'm sure.

Well worth listening to!

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Fantastic

I finished this a few months ago and I'm still thinking about it. This book reminds me of a American Lord of the Rings. This book has everything. Narration was very good as well but I'd argue that with how good the story was the narrator is less important. Give it a listen.

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My first King

Fascinating vision and moving story kept me eager to go back and listen more. Perfect book in today’s reality. Recommending to the readers. Mr King, You just made me hungry for Your writing, so I am getting more novels.

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Really Enjoyed this.

Loved the read. Great Narration
This book will not disappoint, no matter if you are a Stephen King fan or not.

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5 Stars for The Stand

everything about this book hit the high marks. it was extremely exciting and suspenseful. The plot was great, the narration and performance also done to perfection. Well done

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great read

Long. very well written. I live these post apocalyptic books. I definitely recommend of you go through books quickly

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This is a great study on what life could be like

I have enjoyed this audiobook twice now and I am sure I will do it again and again. it is disturbing picture of what could happen if someone "drops the ball" Great charactors representing good and evil. What would we do if the etch-o-sketch that is this life was given a shake. What would the new picture look like?

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