SOADD: Revised versus the originals

The Subterranean Press edition of Songs of a Dead Dreamer is advertised as containing "revised" versions of the stories and I was wondering if those of you out there that own both the original and the new have noticed the changes? (I unfortunately do not own the new edition)

-Adam

There are significant differences, indeed. Anyone familiar with the stories might notice the subtle, nuanced changes, more with some stories than with others.

Huge differences, in some cases. In most, it's more of an "enhancement" than anything else - a re-writing by Tom Ligotti in order to drive home the story's intent or stylistic mood, without altering the original spirit.

"The Eye of the Lynx" is shockingly revised. I found the new version more coherent, unsettling, and overall enjoyable. If you've been into Ligotti for awhile, then you might know that this story used to be one of the more baffling for many readers. Thankfully, TL really did a number, breaking this tale apart, and re-building it from the ground up. In my eyes, it went from being a curiosity to a masterpiece. The Subterranean edition is worth it for this revision alone, not counting all the others.

How about Dr. Locrian's Asylum..? To what extent has that story been altered?

Will there be a paperback edition of the revised SOADD?

sundog said:

How about Dr. Locrian's Asylum..? To what extent has that story been altered?

Click to expand...

As far as I can see from a quick comparison, the changes are mostly on the level of wording-- "though" instead of "although," "burial-ground" instead of "graveyard," and so on.

Will there be a paperback edition of the revised SOADD?

Click to expand...

None seems to be planned at present. I won't say an eventual paperback is impossible, but the chances probably aren't that great.


For a while now I've been thinking about making a detailed comparison between the Subterranean and Carroll & Graf paperback versions of one of the stories in SOADD, noting even the smallest changes in wording. Would any other members be interested in reading such a list?

Thank you very much for your reply Brendan.

I would definitely be interested in reading such a detailed comparison. After 'Dr. Locrian's Asylum' I'd vote for 'The Lost Art of Twilight'.

I've drawn up a list of changes for "Dr. Locrian's Asylum" and posted it elsewhere on TLO.

Brendan Moody said:

I've drawn up a list of changes for "Dr. Locrian's Asylum" and posted it elsewhere on TLO.

Click to expand...

Thank you so much for doing this. I had a vague dream of doing something myself, but, alas, lack the time to embark on a scholarly project of this sort.

Maybe over time, all the alternations can be cataloged. It would be a nice reference and a big help to anyone hoping to peer deeper into Tom's work.