Advance Copy of King's First Book

Carrie [ARC]

King, Stephen

Publication: New York: Doubleday, 1974 (sic, 1973). Uncorrected Proof.

Notes: The advance reading copy (ARC) of Stephen King's first book, described on the back cover as "special edition not for sale" with a planned publication date of April 1974.

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. The print run of this promotional edition, sent to bookstores and book reviewers, was probably in the hundreds.

The date on the title page is 1974 however the printer's code on page 1999, O50, indicates the book was actually printed the week of December 10, 1973.

[2:blank], [8], 199, [7:blank] pages.

Edition + Condition: A very nice copy of a fragile book. The white covers have very little soiling or tanning, the spine is only slightly wrinkled.

Item No: #366256

Price: $6,500