First Edition of King's First Book, Inscribed in 1980
Carrie
Publication: New York: Doubleday, 1974. First Edition.
Notes: A first printing of King's first published novel inscribed "For Dennis—All best, Stephen King. 6/1/80."
Originally discarded by King and rescued from the trash by his wife Tabitha, Carrie emerged from King's experiences as a high school teacher to become a defining work of supernatural horror. The novel's exploration of teenage alienation and revenge, powered by telekinetic abilities, struck a chord with readers and critics alike. Brian De Palma's 1976 film adaptation starring Sissy Spacek transformed both King's and De Palma's careers, establishing a pattern of successful King adaptations that continues today. The hardcover first printing was modest—just 30,000 copies—compared to the million-copy first printings of King's later books.
Edition + Condition: First edition (stated). This copy, like all stated first editions, has the gutter code P6 on page 199. A near fine copy with a previous owner's name stamped on the front free endpaper in ink that closely matches the paper color. The dust jacket is near fine with the correct $5.95 price. Provenance: From Texas collector Tom Garner's private library.
Item No: #259021
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