It

Published: 1986

It (1986) is King's sprawling horror epic set in the fictional town of Derry, Maine, where an ancient, shape-shifting entity awakens every 27 years to prey on children, most often appearing as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. The narrative follows the Losers' Club, seven misfit children who confront the creature in 1958, then return as adults in 1985 to fulfill their childhood oath when the killings resume. At over 1,100 pages, It represents King at his most ambitious, weaving multiple timelines, perspectives, and forms of horror into a complex meditation on childhood, memory, and the power of both fear and friendship. King has stated that the novel attempts to integrate all the monsters from his childhood—both real (bullies, abusive parents) and imagined (classic movie monsters)—into a single antagonist. Upon publication, It immediately topped bestseller lists and received largely positive reviews, with critics praising its emotional depth and complex structure while acknowledging its formidable length. The novel's exploration of childhood trauma and the loss of innocence resonated deeply with readers, making it one of King's most beloved works despite its intimidating size. The 1990 TV miniseries, particularly Tim Curry's performance as Pennywise, introduced the story to a wider audience, while the commercially successful film adaptations in 2017 and 2019 brought it to new generations. For many readers, It represents the pinnacle of King's ability to blend supernatural horror with deeply human characters and themes. The novel's influence extends beyond horror into discussions of trauma, memory, and the power dynamics of small towns. King himself has cited It as one of his most personally significant works, viewing it as the culmination of themes he had been exploring throughout his early career.

Themes

• Childhood trauma
• Fear
• Memory
• Friendship
• Evil

Adaptations

• 1990 miniseries
• 2017 and 2019 blockbuster films

Collector Notes

One of King's longest novels. First printings were large, but collectible in excellent condition. Deluxe illustrated editions and proofs are also prized.