Neverwhere - What version of Neverwhere are you reading?

[Cairnraiser]

Neverwhere seems to have been through a number of revisions.
As has been mentioned in a previous thread it started with a Television series (6 half hour episodes). However Gaiman felt that too much material went missing during shooting, so he decided to write a novel that included everything he wanted to keep.
It seems the first version was a UK version, which was later re-edited to a US version (apparently the editor didn't think the american audience would understand a number of the jokes) and then Gaiman himself has re-re-edited it once more for the Author's Preferred Text which according to Gaiman contains the best of both worlds.

So which version are you reading?

I've got the Author's Preferred Text, a black paperback with a copper print of a rat on it.

[Brooke]

I own the one pictured as well, now I'm definitely going to have to hunt down an APT version. Is it difficult to find?

[Cairnraiser]

I didn't find it on Amazon US, but Amazon UK has it here.

[Angie]

OH man! I am also reading the American version! I wish I had the Author's Preferred Text one! That one is probably the best!

[Inky]

I have the book pictured above. Sigh.

[Nick, Founder (In Absentia)]

Darn editors! I too am cursed with the joke free edition...

[KristenR]

I just ordered the APT version off Amazon UK marketplace....I don't usually buy books, and don't pay as much as I did for a used copy, but I really wanted to read this version.

I want to start reading it now! but darn...I have to wait for it to come in the mail. It's all the same, though, since all the copies are checked out of the library and the local bookstore doesn't have it.

[Cairnraiser]

I'd just like to say that the APT is the only version I've read myself, so I don't know how much of a difference there is between the versions.
But I discovered that the Reader's Guide questions that Donna mentioned in another thread are included in the APT.

[AA]

I've got the US edition *sigh* Guess I'll check around to see if any used stores or the library has the APT version.

[Cairnraiser]

I'm curious how much the different versions differ in length.
As mentioned I have the APT and it's a mass market paperback, and the novel itself ends on page 372.
How long is your version of Neverwhere?

For the curious the APT also contains an "Exclusive material" section containing a different prologue, and interview with Neil Gaiman and reading-group discussion questions.

[Shannon]

I have the one pictured too, and it's 370 pages (that's straight from the book, not Amazon or anywhere else - they tend to include excerpts and things).

I'm a bit bummed that I've got the watered-down version. I prefer British humour, generally, and it might have made me enjoy the book more :(

[Ruth]

Believe it or not, Blockbuster had the DVD's. Given the comments on the TV series, I thought it would be worth my while to compare the TV and written versions. I've only seen the first 2 episodes so far, but they grabbed not only my attention, but also my husband (who normally doesn't like fantasy or science fiction). It is interesting the difference the medium makes...

[Jeff]

I'm joining in a little late, but I'm also reading the American edition. I might try to hunt down the APT version (didn't know it existed until tonight) before the month is out. I've already read the book once, but decided to read it again to try to join in on the discussions.

[Stacey]

I read the UK version and the graphic novel version (grin), but my first intro to Neverwhere was the audiobook read by Mr. Neil himself.

If you really want Neverwhere, THAT is the version to get. It is by far my second favorite audiobook I've ever heard. (I doubt anything will ever topple my beloved Dune, but Neverwhere took a serious run at it.)

[Robin]

I too had the audiobook version that Gaiman read. He did give the book some nice inflections - especially since this is not his profession. Manytimes I don't like the audio versions but this one I really enjoyed.

[Libby]

Darn - didn't know there was an APT. I would have preferred that for a second reading. I read the US version again.

[Random]

Robin wrote: "I too had the audiobook version that Gaiman read. He did give the book some nice inflections - especially since this is not his profession. Manytimes I don't like the audio versions but this one ..."

He did an excellent job reading Coraline too. One of my favorite readings.

[Robin]

I really need to take a look at Coraline one day - I downloaded a "free copy" awhile ago but reading on the computer....it is hard for me.

-- Robin The Crown Conspiracy | Avempartha | Nyphron Rising (Oct 2009)

[MK]

ahhh, interesting on the UK version - US joked-down version ;-) - author's preferred version next

I guess I have the joked-down version. Am reading the hardback copy of the US edition. Yep, just checked, First Edition (US version).

Boo. :p