NONFICTION

The Stephen King Companion: Four Decades of Fear from the Master of Horror

Michael Whelan & Glenn Chadbourne (illus.). 3d. ed. Thomas Dunne: St. Martin's. Oct. 2015. 624p. photos. notes. ISBN 9781250081315. $32.99; pap. ISBN 9781250054128. $26.99; ebk. ISBN 9781466856684. LIT
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OrangeReviewStarThis is the third edition (the first was published in 1989, the second in 1995) of Beahm's look at the life and work of seminal author Stephen King (b. 1947). Beahm (Steve Jobs' Life By Design; The Stephen King Story) is a prolific, best-selling author of literary companions, and his expertise and thoroughness are clearly displayed here. This book is not literary criticism but rather a chronological exploration of the experience and achievements of King. This approach allows the reader to get to know the subject as person, which leads to a better understanding of his fiction. For example, the section on the novel Cycle of the Werewolf is more about the events that point to its creation then about the book itself.
VERDICT The completeness of Beahm's analysis coupled with his accessible writing style make this book extremely absorbing. Owing to its tone and format, this title will appeal most to fans of King, who will find that its insights lend a new light to their favorite tales.
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