Revisiting Stephen King - (Critical Companions to Popular Contemporary Writers) 2nd Edition by Sharon a Russell (Hardcover)

About the Book

Having endured an initially frigid critcal reception, personal struggles with addiction, and a mid-life accident that nearly killed him, Stephen King continues to reign as perhaps the most popular and prolific writer in America. This new edition of the critical companion to his works includes an expanded biographical chapter, featuring King's return to writing after his accident and his groundbreaking experiments in e-publishing. A full chapter is devoted to each of his eight most recently published works of fiction, offering thorough critical treatments of

- Desperation (1996)

- The Green Mile (1997)

- The Regulators (1996)

- Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass (1997)

- Bag of Bones (1998)

- The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon (1999)

- Hearts in Atlantis (1999

- Dreamcatcher (2001)

Discussions of character development, thematic concerns, and issues of style and symbolism follow concise plot synopses. An alternate critical perspective is offered for each work. King achievements and placement in the horror genre are reconsidered, especially in light of his more recent forays into suspense fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and other areas of writing. The volume includes a selective list of further suggested readings includes biographical sources, general criticism, and reviews.

Book Synopsis

Having endured an initially frigid critcal reception, personal struggles with addiction, and a mid-life accident that nearly killed him, Stephen King continues to reign as perhaps the most popular and prolific writer in America. This new edition of the critical companion to his works includes an expanded biographical chapter, featuring King's return to writing after his accident and his groundbreaking experiments in e-publishing. A full chapter is devoted to each of his eight most recently published works of fiction, offering thorough critical treatments of
- Desperation (1996)
- The Green Mile (1997)
- The Regulators (1996)
- Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass (1997)
- Bag of Bones (1998)
- The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon (1999)
- Hearts in Atlantis (1999
- Dreamcatcher (2001)

Discussions of character development, thematic concerns, and issues of style and symbolism follow concise plot synopses. An alternate critical perspective is offered for each work. King achievements and placement in the horror genre are reconsidered, especially in light of his more recent forays into suspense fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and other areas of writing. The volume includes a selective list of further suggested readings includes biographical sources, general criticism, and reviews.

Review Quotes

.,."includes a listing of King's novel, non-fiction and screenplays, as well as books about Stephen King, biographical information, some Web sites and discussions of his books. This is a must purchase for high schools. This is a must purchase for high schools."-Gale-Reference Reviews

?...includes a listing of King's novel, non-fiction and screenplays, as well as books about Stephen King, biographical information, some Web sites and discussions of his books. This is a must purchase for high schools. This is a must purchase for high schools.?-Gale-Reference Reviews

?This title is a worthy addition to a critical series written for high-school age students who need information on popular authors....Easy to read and understand, this title would be a good choice for secondary researchers. It's also interesting enough for King fans to enjoy....Recommended.?-Library Media Connection

..."includes a listing of King's novel, non-fiction and screenplays, as well as books about Stephen King, biographical information, some Web sites and discussions of his books. This is a must purchase for high schools. This is a must purchase for high schools."-Gale-Reference Reviews

"This title is a worthy addition to a critical series written for high-school age students who need information on popular authors....Easy to read and understand, this title would be a good choice for secondary researchers. It's also interesting enough for King fans to enjoy....Recommended."-Library Media Connection

About the Author

SHARON A. RUSSELL is Professor of Communication and Women's Studies at Indiana State University where she teaches courses on film and television. She has published extensively on horror film and literature and detective fiction. She is the author of Stephen King: A Critical Companion (Greenwood Press, 1996). She has also written The Guide to African Cinema.