Customer Reviews

The Road to the Dark Tower: Exploring Stephen King's Magnum Opus

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

With The Road to the Dark Tower, Bev Vincent has done a wonderful job of capturing the spirit, the breadth, and the richness of Stephen King's Dark Tower series and compiling it into a 350 page reference guide. Eager readers beware: this book contains spoilers to all DT books as well as many of King's other works. It is not intended to be read by anyone who hasn't finished all of the Dark Tower novels.

Vincent captures the essence of each of the seven DT novels in a single chapter, providing not only synopses, but ties to other novels, examples of King's influences from literature and life, and analysis on each book and the progression of the series. I especially enjoyed his presentation on the difference between the original Gunslinger (Dark Tower I) and the revised edition.

For me, who has read the entire series once and DT I-IV several times, the synopses were less important than the analysis and references. Vincent also points out foreshadowing that appears throughout the entire series that I either missed or had forgotten. Most interesting to me in this book were the other chapters and the appendices. Vincent provides both a summary and a timeline of the publication of all of the Dark Tower novels that shows a real knowledge of the publishing industry. He also provides several other timelines (FACT and FICTION) that help fill in gaps or put events in perspective. Finally, I enjoyed the chapters on King's other works and how they tie to the Dark Tower series. While some of these ties have always been obvious to serious King fans, Vincent provides much that had not occurred to me.

I found myself comparing this book to Hy Bender's wonderful Sandman Companion. As I did, I realized the only thing missing from The Road to the Dark Tower are interviews between Vincent and King like those between Bender and Gaiman in the Companion. Overall, however, this is a marvelous reference work and companion piece to the Dark Tower series and a must have for DT junkies and scholars.

I cannot heap enough praise on this outstanding review of Stephen King's Dark Tower series except to say that your quest for the Tower is not complete until you read it. Vincent highlights themes, patterns, and notable occurrences from all seven books. Even if you read the seven Dark Tower books in a row (and certainly if you have been reading them over a 15 or 20 year period), you would miss the brilliance of having a single overview of the series to connect a lot of the dots I never noticed. I think this is a MUCH better read than the two-volume Concordance by King's research assistant; that series is more of a glossary or index whereas this book is an ANALYSIS and review of the series. ROAD TO THE DARK TOWER starts out with seven chapters each devoted to the individual books, followed by an awesome chapter reviewing other Stephen King books that related to the Dark Tower series or characters - the obvious ones (Insomnia, Black House) and the surprising ones (a short story in Skeleton Crew, or Roland's appearance in Eyes of the Dragon). Then there is a chapter for each of the major characters, followed by several essays analyzing the series in the context of other great literary works. You get a complete picture of the Dark Tower series - which makes it all the more brilliant to view at once - and even a tantalyzing hint that King and Peter Straub may unite again for the third book in the Talisman/Black House series. I felt like I was back walking the path with Roland, Eddie, Susannah, Jake, and Oy one more time as I read this book, and came to appreciate the series' ending even more. You will delight in the subtle clues throughout the seven books as to how certain characters ended up, and have a stand-alone cross-reference of King's other works' references to the Dark Tower is worth the price of the book alone. A must read for Dark Tower fans!

Bev Vincent has done an incredible job here, not only with the history, analysis and review of King's Magnum Opus, but with bringing this project to publication. Congratulations Bev!
The book, in itself, is an indispensible resource and a must have for any Dark Tower junkie. I found myself learning and remembering things forgotten with the turn of each page.
The first ten chapters of the book deal with the publication history of the series, present a comprehensive analysis of each individual book (the original Gunslinger as well as the revised Gunslinger) and give an insightful look into each individual main character. I was surprised by the sheer amount of information packed into this volume, and how enjoyable it was to read.
My particular favorite section is the Appendices where Bev creates a timeline for the events of the Dark Tower Cycle. One of the biggest things I struggled with when reading these volumes was keeping track of how much time had elapsed. Bev does a wonderful job clearing that up.
All in all, I'd have to say 5 stars, well worth the money. For years to come, as I reread Stephen King's Magnum Opus, I'll make sure to keep this volume close at hand.

After over three decades and nearly four thousand pages, Roland the Gunslinger's journey has come to its end as the adventurer confronts his destiny inside that strange edifice, the focal point of all existence.Given the considerable amount of time and effort one must devote to reading this epic, many might breathe a sigh of relief upon finishing and move on to other literary wonders. On the other hand (especially if you're one of King's devoted Constant Readers), you might feel the need to immediately begin rereading the seven-volume series in order to relive what you no doubt considered a pleasant experience (a desire in keeping with the spirit of King's ending, in which we learn that ka really IS a wheel).

If you fall into the second category, allow me to suggest a pleasant appetizer to precede your literary repast, Bev Vincent's perceptive book-by-book analysis of King's Gunslinger books, titled THE ROAD TO THE DARK TOWER. A thorough, eminently readable exploration of King's fantasy epic, THE ROAD TO THE DARK TOWER combines telling insight with a true fan's appreciation of the series, and will surely enhance your enjoyment of subsequent re-readings.

Vincent adopts a systematic approach to his analysis, initially providing a brief factual history of the series, from its origins during King's college days to the publication of the final volume of Roland's story on King's birthday on September 21, 2004. Finishing that, he proceeds to discuss each successive volume of the series, offering detailed synopses of each work. Further up the "Road," Vincent offers chapters on "Related Works," "Dramatis Personae," "Epics, Influences and Ka," and "Art and the Act of Creation." He finishes strongly with a chapter entitled "Magnum Opus?" which attempts to put the Dark Tower series in perspective against King's entire body of work, followed by several useful appendices.

Vincent is respectful of his subject matter, but never fannish in his commentary; his affection for his subject matter is evident, but never becomes mawkish. The book, which exhibits the respected journalist's deep knowledge of all things King, also is noteworthy for the fact that Vincent had King's cooperation, allowing him to explore avenues that were closed off to other essayists. In the end, the only criticism one can level at the book is the absence of a detailed index, a virtual requirement for a work such as this whose reason for being lies in its examination of even the smallest of details. It's a flaw that can be forgiven, however, in light of the pleasurable reading experience this book provides to Dark Tower fans.

Stephen King's magnum opus "The Dark Tower" has deeply affected many readers, including myself. With fascinating characters, rich dialogue, and the fantastic imagery of a world that has "moved on", this tale encompasses everything an epic should be. In "The Road to the Dark Tower", Bev Vincent has given us the perfect companion for the tale. Its point to point summaries of the seven novels are extremely in depth, with original input from Bev on the more important details of each book. Those who have read "The Dark Tower" know that there is much left open for the readers to discuss, and Bev offers some interesting thoughts and feelings about some of the more open ended concepts such as Roland's fate and the convoluted timeline in Mid-World.

In the later chapters, he (Bev) analyzes King's related works and uncovers some connections that even hard core constant readers might not have picked up on. But perhaps the most fascinating part of the book, at least in my opinion, is his chapter on the works that first influenced King to begin Roland's quest. With research as thorough as a professional historian, Bev shows us how deeply ingrained the concept of a dark tower is within our ancient and modern literature.

Having looked back at what I have just written, I realize that I am in no way capable of telling you just how well researched and written this work is, and I can only say that if you are a fan of the "The Dark Tower" series, than you will greatly enjoy this analysis of the quest. So, if you are a fan, do yourself a favour and pick up this intriguing piece of work, then maybe you can come back here and write a review more worthy of it. Hope to see all of you on the road to the Tower.

The book is well-paced and replete with details for those interested in Roland of Gilead's epic quest for the Dark Tower. Mr. Vincent reveals a good number of connections between King's many books and the epic quest for the Tower... some which might have gone unseen by even the truly observant of The Dark Tower's many fans. An excellent and thought-out guidebook, highly recommended to any serious aficionado of the Dark Tower series.

If you're looking for any sort of in-depth analysis or inside information on the Dark Tower series you may want to save your money and time and pass on Mr. Vincent's book.

However, if all you're looking for is a Cliff's Notes-like recap of the Dark Tower series then this is the book for you. Each book has its own chapter in which the happenings of that book are condensed for your enjoyment. This is fine and expected. The problem is Mr. Vincent again condenses and recaps the happenings of each Dark Tower book under the sections for each main character. There isn't really much analysis there, just "Roland did this, this and this in The Gunslinger." etc.

The disappointment comes from the fact that Mr. Vincent has access to inside information yet it isn't really shared in his book. Why? It would've been nice to read about the evolution of writing of the Dark Tower books rather than a bland introductory bit about the publishing "problem" with the first book. Some type of interview with Mr. King would've been preferable to the re-printing of the Robert Browning poem which inspired the books. Didn't we already get it in The Dark Tower? And the glossary, while a neat idea, is poorly done. The entries are, for the most part, inadequate.

I originally planned to give this book 1 star but felt that was a bit too harsh considering it *is* useful in a Cliff's Notes sort of way. If you want a book that will save you the effort of reading (or re-reading) all 7 Dark Tower books (and its connecting stories/books), then pick this up. Just don't expect much beside the recaps.

In The Road to the Dark Tower, author Bev Vincent does an amazing job of bringing Stephen King's epic Dark Tower series to life. After having recently finished the last book in the series, I was feeling a bit down that my time in Mid-World was truly over, but Vincent allowed me to re-enter this wonderful fantasy world, if only for a short time. Unlike Robin Furth's The Dark Tower, A Concordance, which is more of an encyclopedia-type reference book (yet excellent in its own right), The Road to the Dark Tower truly takes the reader on a journey back through these wonderful books. Vincent reviews each Tower novel in turn, doing an excellent job of striking a balance between summarizing and providing detail. He also discusses other King works with Dark Tower links, including Hearts in Atlantis and Dark House.

Vincent goes on to provide overviews of all of the major characters in the series; while this section is also done very well, it is at times a bit repetitive with the book summaries. I found the chapter on epics and influences to be particularly intriguing; it was interesting to learn that Browning's famous poem was only one of many stories featuring a knight named Roland. I also enjoyed Vincent's musings on both the art of creation and the idea that the Dark Tower series might be King's "magnum opus." Several helpful appendices are included, although I found the timelines to be a bit confusing. Overall, however, I found this to be an extremely well done, very enjoyable book--perhaps the best testament to this fact is that I'm now eager to go back and read the entire series from the very beginning. A must-read for all of us captured by the allure of King's Dark Tower.

This book is a definite must read for all fans of The Dark Tower series.

Bev Vincent does an extrememly admirable job of meticulously cataloging all referrences to DT in King's other works, as well as a very detailed history of the DT's creation, and how it all came about. I loved all the character bios of the major players in the series.

The book refreshed my memory of small details that I had forgotten, or failed to notice. Bev also points out odd coincidences that really give one pause for thought. "Things that make you go hmmm....."

This man has shown incredible dedication. While this book is not "fannish", it is most definitely written by a fan, FOR fans.

Excellent work, Bev!

Bev Vincent has been a long time fan of Stephen King. He has devoted a great deal of his career to the master of terror, writig columns in Cemetery Dance magazine that is everything King and writing essays on the author. I don't think there is a greater King expert out there. And now, his labor of love, The Road To The Dark Tower, is in print and it's been worth the wait.

The Dark Tower is King's epic masterpiece that has been more than twenty years in the making. King wrote the very first installment of the novel when he was in College and throughout his career, he has kept readers guessing by sporadically delivering new tomes in the series. But this year marked the publication of the very last Dark Tower book, a very sad event for any King lover.

Vincent takes us through that very journey, summarizing every single book in the series, finding links between each tomes and with other King books. He gives us the history behind the story (King was inspired by a poem named The Dark Tower) and the story behind the publication of the first tome. He also devotes an entire section to linking most of King's novels to the Dark Tower. The book is full of helpful annecdotes and pictures that will only broaden your grasp of King's story.

Written expertly but not in a way that ever feels pretentious, Road takes you through the journey that is the Dark Tower all over again and makes you realize many things you might have missed upon your first reading of the books. This is a must for every King fan and required reading for any Dark Tower lover.