The Gunslinger by Stephen King (1988, Book, Illustrated)

Having been an avid reader in general, and of Stephen King's work specifically, I have been remiss, never having read "The Dark Tower" series. Originally I did not wish to start a multi-part series which, at the time it was begun, was not even known how long it would be either in volumes or years (between the first volume and the last, not the number of fictitious years in the story itself). I rationalized not reading the first volume (and then the second, and so on) by telling myself that I would not begin reading it until Mr. King had AT LEAST begun writing the final volume. Of course, this series has now been complete and published for many years now and still I have only just now finally begun reading it.

This, the first book of the series, is very different from most things King has written. Having finished reading it, and then reading the updated author's notes, I found it very interesting to learn when in Mr. King's life the various parts of this first story, as well as the other parts of the series, at least those that were completed at the time of publishing this volume. It is very enlightening to learn of this chronology, and very telling as well.

I knew from reading other King works that it was not at all uncommon for his other "stand-alone" novels and short stories to have "overlap", parts that were in some way related to the storyline(s) and characters of "The Dark Tower" series. Some of the other works were VERY much related to the series in fact, though I'm not sure I knew that at the time I read them. Things make a lot more sense now.

At this point, having already finished the 2nd volume of this series (Drawing of the Three) and having begun the 3rd (Waste Lands) I can say that the story picks up considerably toward the end of the first volume and stays at a higher pace than most of the first volume as the 2nd and 3rd volumes continue. I state this only because for those folks that have not read King before and are starting with this book, volume one (The Gunslinger) specifically, do not be discouraged. The first 50%-65% of the book is very slow and difficult to read, even when you know that it is worth getting thru to get to the rest. I can only imagine how difficult it would be otherwise.

Frankly, if this were my first Stephen King read I would wonder how this man has managed to reach the popular and critical literary success he has achieved. Not his best work, by far, but...it does LEAD TO, what I have been told by numerous people (people I trust, no less) IS his best work. Having started on King in the form of his wonderful short story collections, "Night Shift", "Different Seasons", and "Skeleton Crew" are hard to beat, as are any of the novels. But these folks tell me "The Dark Tower" beats them all and I trust their word and their opinion.

As I've said already, "The Gunslinger" is not King's best work. While it does have a definite "Kingian" flavor at certain parts and in those parts you can see the writer he will become, it is true that it drags, especially early, and is just generally slow and difficult to get thru in parts. However, it is fairly short and easy to quickly digest, even if the storyline itself doesn't completely grab you. So despite other drawbacks I have to recommend it. JUST DO IT! Get thru it AND get to the rest.

Even if only half as good as his other works, this series will be well worth getting thru this volume. Already is in fact and I'm only on volume number 3.

The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger is the first in a wonderful epic, setting the scene for Roland of Gilead, the gunslinger as he travels through another world on his quest to reach The Dark Tower.

The Dark Tower series is described as a mix of Western & fantasy, linking the real world with Roland's world and drawing characters from both. Is Roland's world futuristic or primitive, or a mix a both? A parallel to ours?

This first book of the series follows Roland as he chases The Man in Black. Barely touching the true character of Roland or the nature of his quest, this is the start of a most amazing adventure - both for Roland and for the reader.

The Dark Tower series begins with a rather mythical introduction to Roland the last gunslinger. With his finely made sandalwood grip revolvers he relentlessly pursues the man in black and ultimately the dark tower. His trials are many and none are easy. Stephen Kings longest and most masterful story, This begins the epic saga of King's masterpiece!

This is the first of Seven in the Epic Series of the Roland and his search for the Dark Tower.. I thought this book was well written but cut a little short.. It left me thirsty for more, which is the best way to leave a reader.. This book is not the normal Stephen King story but parallel's with his own unique style of writing.. This one is a Western/Fantasy that could only have come from the mind of King..

Stephen King's Gunslinger epic is dark yet enlightening, fantastic yet believeable, well-written yet seemingly effortlessly flowing throughout. The series is well worth the read whether you start at the beginning or somewhere near the last of the books each is written in such a way that they can be read in any order and makes sense. I hope whoever takes the opportunity to dwell in this master's world enjoys the visit as thoroughly as I myself do each time I partake the journey.