Desperation by Stephen King 1996 1st Edition

Desperation — Stephen King (1996, Viking Press)

A Battle Between Faith and Evil in the Nevada Desert

Face the ultimate showdown between light and darkness in Desperation by Stephen King, a terrifying masterpiece that blends supernatural horror, psychological suspense, and spiritual symbolism like no other.

First published in 1996 by Viking Press, Desperation transports readers to a desolate Nevada mining town — a place where evil takes human form and survival becomes a test of faith, courage, and fate.

When a group of unsuspecting travelers is pulled over by Collie Entragian, a monstrous police officer possessed by an ancient entity known as Tak, they are thrust into a brutal struggle for life and soul. As the boundaries between humanity and divinity blur, the novel explores what it truly means to confront evil incarnate.

Written alongside The Regulators (released under King’s pseudonym Richard Bachman), Desperation serves as its spiritual mirror — a haunting reflection on free will, divine justice, and redemption in the face of chaos.

🧠 Book Details

1. Title: Desperation
2. Author: Stephen King
3. Publisher: Viking Press
4. Publication Year: 1996
5. Edition: TRUE First Edition / First Printing
6. Language: English
7. Pages: ~690
8. Genre: Horror, Supernatural Thriller, Fiction
9. Narrative Type: Fiction

🔥 Why This Book Still Matters

🩸 Epic Duality: Desperation and The Regulators together form one of the most fascinating narrative experiments in horror literature.

💀 Faith vs. Evil: Explores timeless questions about belief, divine will, and the human spirit’s endurance in the face of overwhelming darkness.

📚 Collector’s Treasure: A first-edition release that continues to attract collectors and fans of King’s darker, more philosophical works.

🎬 Adapted for Screen: The story’s chilling tone and vivid characters inspired a 2006 television adaptation, keeping its legacy alive for new generations.