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Stephen King, born on September 21, 1947, is a prolific American author known for his mastery of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, and fantasy novels, with over 60 books published.
Biography
Attribute | Details |
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Full Name | Stephen Edwin King |
Date of Birth | September 21, 1947 |
Nationality | American |
Genres | Horror, Suspense, Crime, Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery |
Notable Works |
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Short Stories | Approximately 200 |
Pseudonym | Richard Bachman |
Collaborations |
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Nonfiction Work | On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft |
Awards |
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Quote by Joyce Carol Oates | “A brilliantly rooted, psychologically ‘realistic' writer for whom the American scene has been a continuous source of inspiration, and American popular culture a vast cornucopia of possibilities.” |
Early Life
Stephen King, the master of horror fiction, was born on September 21, 1947, in Portland, Maine. He is of Scots-Irish descent and the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth (née Pillsbury) King. King's early life was marked by significant challenges; his father abandoned the family when Stephen was just two years old, leaving his mother to raise him and his older brother, David, under considerable financial strain. Throughout his childhood, King lived in several locations, including Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his father's family resided, and Stratford, Connecticut. Eventually, the family returned to Maine towards the end of World War II, settling in a modest house in Scarborough. Despite the hardships, Stephen King began writing at an early age, showcasing his talent for storytelling even as a young child.
Family
Relation | Name | Information |
---|---|---|
Father | Donald Edwin King | Donald Edwin King was a merchant seaman. He left the family when Stephen was very young. |
Mother | Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King | Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King worked as a caregiver at a mental institute and raised Stephen and his brother alone after Donald left. |
Brother | David King | David King is Stephen King's older brother. He helped distribute Stephen's early writings. |
Spouse | Tabitha King | Tabitha King is a novelist and philanthropist. She has been married to Stephen King since 1971. |
Daughter | Naomi King | Naomi King is a Unitarian Universalist Church minister. |
Son | Joe Hill | Joe Hill, born Joseph Hillstrom King, is a successful author known for his horror novels and comics. |
Son | Owen King | Owen King is also an author and has collaborated with his father on several projects. |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
Attribute | Measurement |
---|---|
Height | 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) |
Weight | 200 lbs (91 kg) |
Chest | 44 inches (112 cm) |
Waist | 36 inches (91 cm) |
Biceps | 15 inches (38 cm) |
Shoe Size | 12 (US) |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Details: Stephen King is currently married to Tabitha King. They met while they were both students at the University of Maine. Tabitha is an accomplished author herself, known for works such as “Small World” and “Candles Burning.” The couple has been together for several decades and has three children: Naomi Rachel King, Joe Hill, and Owen King.
There are no publicly known previous relationships of Stephen King before his marriage to Tabitha King.
Stephen King and Tabitha King have been married for over 50 years. Their enduring relationship is often cited as one of the most successful in the literary world. Tabitha has been a significant influence and support in Stephen's career, even rescuing the manuscript of his first novel “Carrie” from the trash.
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Stephen King became famous with the publication of his first novel “Carrie” in 1974. The book's success allowed him to become a full-time writer, and it was later adapted into a highly successful film, which cemented his status as a prominent horror author.
Stephen King's career began humbly. He held a variety of jobs to support himself, including working as a janitor, a laborer in an industrial laundry, and a gas pump attendant. He also taught English at Hampden Academy in Maine. During this time, he wrote short stories and sold them to magazines. His breakthrough came with the publication of “Carrie,” which he had initially thrown in the trash before his wife encouraged him to finish it.
Popular Works
- Carrie (1974)
- The Shining (1977)
- It (1986)
- The Dark Tower series (1982-2012)
- Misery (1987)
- The Stand (1978)
- Pet Sematary (1983)
Stephen King has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Some of the notable ones include:
- Multiple Bram Stoker Awards
- World Fantasy Awards
- British Fantasy Society Awards
- National Medal of Arts
- Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters
- O. Henry Award
For a comprehensive list of awards, you can refer to the Wikipedia page on Stephen King's awards.
Despite his success, Stephen King has been involved in several controversies over the years:
- Plagiarism Accusations: King has faced accusations of plagiarism, particularly regarding his novel “The Dark Tower,” where some claim he borrowed heavily from other works without proper acknowledgment.
- Content Concerns: Some of his books have been criticized for their graphic content and themes, which have led to them being banned in certain schools and libraries.
- Public Feuds: King has had public disagreements with other authors and public figures, including a notable feud with fellow author James Patterson.
- Political Statements: King's outspoken political views, especially on social media, have sometimes sparked controversy and backlash from various groups.
Stephen King is a prolific author whose works have left an indelible mark on the world of literature and popular culture. Despite the controversies, his achievements and contributions to the horror and fiction genres are undeniable. His ability to captivate readers and his extensive bibliography continue to earn him a place among the greats in literary history.
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