Publisher's Synopsis
Stephen King is considered one of the most prolific modern writers. He has captured generations of readers' imaginations with his intricate plots, captivating characters, and nuanced exploration of the human condition.
He was born in Portland, Maine on 21 September 1947. He is now regarded as a literary icon, but overcame great personal challenges, including poverty and addiction, before reaching those heights. He is often referred to as "The King of Horror" because of his exceptional skills in blending terror, suspense, and psychological insight. His body of work includes numerous timeless classics like *Carrie* (1974), *The Shining*, *It*, *Misery*, and *The Green Mile*. He explores themes of fear, suffering, determination, and the undying strength of the human will. King's contribution to literature, film and popular culture is unparalleled; he has over 60 published novels, around 200 short stories, and countless adaptations. His work has become synonymous with deeply psychological explorations of human fears, and the testimony of the beauty and vulnerability of human nature.
King's personal life is as captivating as his life's work. His strong bond with small-town America, especially his home state of Maine, deeply affects his stories and their settings. From a little-known writer with short stories to a global literary phenomenon, King's evolution tells a tale of unending passion and dedication towards the craft of writing. He is also a passionate advocate for literacy, a bold political activist, and an incredibly sharp-witted philanthropist.
This book compiles King's biography alongside his life's hurdles. It highlights the author's most important themes of the struggle between good and evil, human fragility, and the role of society, and provides a thorough exposition of his foremost works. The book also analyses the impact of his works on popular culture, studying the adaptation of his stories into films, TV, theatre, and his influence on later generations of writers.
Much like an artist, Stephen King evokes chilling sensations through his pencil and paper; however, in many ways he transcends the title of 'author'- he is a social phenomenon. This volume captures the readers who adore Stephen King's hair-raising stories, while also encapsulating the newcomers who have yet to experience the thrill behind his pen. This intimate portrayal of King's life and works is written with empathy and reflects his status as a contemporary literary master.
The book does not only reflect on King's works, but it also digs deeper into the social vehicle forged by King's brilliant storytelling. Therefore, it becomes a work of science that studies society.
"Beyond the Page: The World of Stephen King" captures not only the life and career of King but also the broader social impact caused by his unique literary style.
