Inscribed first edition, association copy, of King's influential discussion of horror — presented to Robert E. Howard's agent, bibliographer, and literary executor, Glenn Lord.
Near fine in near fine jacket.
Price: $6,500.00
"Discipline and constant work are the whetstones upon which the dull knife of talent is honed until it becomes sharp enough, hopefully, to cut through even the toughest meat and gristle."
King's analysis of the purposes, effects, and methods of the horror genre focuses on the twentieth century, with consideration of film, radio, television, and literature. This copy is inscribed to Glenn Lord, longtime champion of Robert E. Howard, whose "Pigeons from Hell," King calls (in this book) "one of the finest horror stories of our century" (291). Still later in the book he would describe Howard as "a peculiar genius, whose "imagination [...] was powerful beyond his hero Conan's wildest dreams of power. In his best work, Howard's writing seems so highly charged with energy that it nearly gives off sparks. Stories such as 'The People of the Black Circle' glow with the fierce and eldritch light of his frenzied intensity. At his best, Howard was the Thomas Wolfe of fantasy" (424). Inscribed five days before the DANSE MACABRE's official pub date (and so likely originating with the author's own copies), a remarkable association with great provenance, connecting King to one of his literary ancestors.
First printing. New York: Everest House, (1981). 9'' x 6''. Original quarter red cloth with red boards. Gilt-lettered spine. In original unclipped ($13.95) dust jacket. "RRD281." 400 pages. Illustrated in black and white. Inscribed in year of publication by King on the front free endpaper: "For Glenn Lord - / With respect and / admiration and all good / wishes - / Be well, / Stephen King / 4/15/81." Lord's estate-produced provenance card loosely laid in. Some faint toning to jacket, crease to spine, touches of edgewear and rubbing. Trace shelfwear, faint soil to book. Overall, bright and sound.
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