Stephen King
- Submitted by: MrRosic
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- Category: English: Authors
- Date Submitted: 01/14/2011 06:41 PM
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American novelist and short-story writer, Stephen King, whose enormously popular horror fiction novels, revived the reading public’s interest in horror fiction, from the 1970s onward. Stephen King's impact on this particular genre, is comparable to J.R.R. Tolkien’s impact, “on mass”, of the reading public’s insatiable interest in the fantasy genre. King revived the modern horror genre with his own unique style, similarly to Tolkien, characterised by his expansive imagination of both characters and storylines. Akin to the masters of storytelling before him, King has used the horror genre as his own branch of artistic expression.
More so than any writer of previous generations, King has redefined the horror medium, turning terror into mass appeal during the 1970s and 80s. King’s underlying message in his story telling is such that even in a world full of cynicism, despair and cruelty, it remains possible for individuals to find love and discover unexpected qualities within themself. His characters often conquer their own “demons” and malevolent powers, which have the potential to destroy them.
Stephen King was born in Portland, Maine, USA. His father, a merchant seaman, deserted the family in 1950. By the time King was seven he had begun writing stories. After discovering a box of horror and science fiction books in his aunt's home, he discovered his forte. In 1965, his first story was published in “Comics Review”.
In 1966, King graduated from high school and in 1970, obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at the University of Maine.
“Carrie” is King's first published novel, released in 1974. The story revolves around a shy high-school girl called Carrie, who uses her newly discovered telekinetic powers to exact revenge on those who tease her. King discarded the first three pages of the story in the garbage, after becoming discouraged with his progress of writing about a teenage girl with psychic powers. His wife rescued the manuscript and urged...
More so than any writer of previous generations, King has redefined the horror medium, turning terror into mass appeal during the 1970s and 80s. King’s underlying message in his story telling is such that even in a world full of cynicism, despair and cruelty, it remains possible for individuals to find love and discover unexpected qualities within themself. His characters often conquer their own “demons” and malevolent powers, which have the potential to destroy them.
Stephen King was born in Portland, Maine, USA. His father, a merchant seaman, deserted the family in 1950. By the time King was seven he had begun writing stories. After discovering a box of horror and science fiction books in his aunt's home, he discovered his forte. In 1965, his first story was published in “Comics Review”.
In 1966, King graduated from high school and in 1970, obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at the University of Maine.
“Carrie” is King's first published novel, released in 1974. The story revolves around a shy high-school girl called Carrie, who uses her newly discovered telekinetic powers to exact revenge on those who tease her. King discarded the first three pages of the story in the garbage, after becoming discouraged with his progress of writing about a teenage girl with psychic powers. His wife rescued the manuscript and urged...