Skeleton Crew

Published: 1985

Skeleton Crew (1985) is King's second major collection of short fiction, gathering 22 stories and novellas written between 1977 and 1985. The collection showcases King's versatility across horror subgenres, featuring the post-apocalyptic novella 'The Mist,' the psychological horror of 'The Monkey,' science fiction terrors in 'The Jaunt,' and the stomach-turning survival tale 'Survivor Type.' King's introduction acknowledges the varying quality of the stories while defending the short form's value, comparing the collection to a 'bizarre bazaar' where readers might find unexpected treasures. Upon publication, critics praised the collection's diversity while noting its uneven nature, with the book's highlights receiving particular acclaim for demonstrating King's ability to create maximum impact with minimal length. The collection became a commercial success, proving that King's name could sell short fiction as effectively as novels. The standout novella 'The Mist' has been adapted multiple times, most notably as a 2007 film and 2017 TV series. Several other stories from the collection have inspired films and TV episodes. King has expressed particular pride in stories like 'The Reach,' which demonstrates his more literary ambitions, and 'The Jaunt,' which effectively blends science fiction with visceral horror. For readers, Skeleton Crew remains significant as a showcase of King's range during his most commercially successful period, with many of the included stories ranking among his most memorable short works. The collection demonstrates King's ability to create effective horror across multiple subgenres and formats, cementing his reputation beyond the novel form. While uneven by nature, the best stories in Skeleton Crew have become classics in the horror short fiction canon, regularly appearing in anthologies and best-of lists.

Themes

• Isolation
• Madness
• The unknown
• Science fiction horror
• Survival

Adaptations

• 'The Mist' adapted into 2007 film and 2017 TV series

Collector Notes

First editions of this collection remain popular among fans for including iconic short works. Signed or fine copies with intact dust jackets are desirable.