Stephen Edwin King (born September 21, 1947) is an American author widely regarded as one of the most prolific and influential writers of modern horror fiction, earning him the nickname “The King of Horror.” Over his extensive career, King has written more than 60 novels and around 200 short stories, many of which have been adapted into iconic films and television series. Though best known for horror, King has also achieved critical acclaim in other genres, including suspense, crime, science fiction, fantasy, and mystery.
His first published novel, Carrie (1974), was a breakout success and set the tone for a career marked by terrifying and deeply human storytelling. He further expanded his literary range with Different Seasons (1982), a novella collection that included the stories later adapted into Stand by Me and The Shawshank Redemption. Other major adaptations of his work include The Shining, It, Misery, and The Green Mile. King has also written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman and frequently collaborated with other writers, including Peter Straub and his sons Joe Hill and Owen King.
Stephen King’s impact on literature and popular culture has been recognized with numerous accolades. These include the O. Henry Award for his short story “The Man in the Black Suit,” the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for 11/22/63, and lifetime achievement honors such as the National Medal of Arts (2014) and the 2003 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. His works are noted for their psychological depth, cultural insight, and ability to reflect the anxieties of American life, drawing praise from literary figures like Joyce Carol Oates.
