Stephen Edwin King is a prolific American author known for his works of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, crime, science fiction, and fantasy novels. His books have sold over 350 million copies, with numerous adaptations into films, television series, miniseries, and comic books.
King has published 63 novels, including seven under the pen name Richard Bachman, and five non-fiction books. He has also written approximately 200 short stories, most of which have been published in collections. His debut novel, Carrie (1974), established his reputation in horror literature. Other notable works include The Shining, Misery, The Shawshank Redemption, and It. He has co-written works with other authors such as Peter Straub and his sons Joe Hill and Owen King.
King has received numerous awards, including Bram Stoker Awards, World Fantasy Awards, and British Fantasy Society Awards. In 2003, he received the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, and in 2014, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts. Critics have praised him for his storytelling ability, colorful characters, and insight into the fears of readers.
King is sometimes referred to as the "King of Horror", reflecting his dominance in the genre. Joyce Carol Oates called him "a brilliantly rooted, psychologically 'realistic' writer." His works often explore themes such as childhood, racism, and war, offering a realistic social portrait of the United States.