BookPath
The Gunslinger
Stephen King

The Gunslinger

Quick Answer

Read "The Gunslinger" as the nullth book in the Collections sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Quick Verdict

✅ Safe to read now (Series Entry Point)

There are multiple ways to approach this series. Our recommended order is optimized for first-time readers.

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: A compelling work from the Stephen King's bibliography. Whether as a standalone or part of a loosely connected universe, it's a staple for fans.

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2016288 ppWikidataSource
<b>“An impressive work of mythic magnitude that may turn out to be Stephen King’s greatest literary achievement” (<i>The Atlanta Journal-Constitution</i>), <i>The Gunslinger</i> is the first volume in the epic Dark Tower Series.</b><br><br>A #1 national bestseller, <i>The Gunslinger</i> introduces readers to one of Stephen King’s most powerful creations, Roland of Gilead: The Last Gunslinger. He is a haunting figure, a loner on a spellbinding journey into good and evil. In his desolate world, which mirrors our own in frightening ways, Roland tracks The Man in Black, encounters an enticing woman named Alice, and begins a friendship with the boy from New York named Jake.<br> <br>Inspired in part by the Robert Browning narrative poem, “Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came,” <i>The Gunslinger</i> is “a compelling whirlpool of a story that draws one irretrievable to its center” (<i>Milwaukee Sentinel</i>). It is “brilliant and fresh…and will leave you panting for more” (<i>Booklist</i>).
Next Recommended Book

The Stephen King Collection. Stories From Night Shift

Book # of 241 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

medium Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Collections conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading The Gunslinger?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read The Gunslinger before other books in the series?

No. We recommend reading the previous book first. The Gunslinger is the nullth book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is The Gunslinger required reading for the Collections?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after The Gunslinger in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The Gunslinger is The Stephen King Collection. Stories From Night Shift (Book #null).