The Shining

Published: 1977

The Shining (1977) follows Jack Torrance, a recovering alcoholic writer who accepts a position as winter caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel, bringing along his wife Wendy and psychically gifted son Danny. As they become snowbound, the hotel's malevolent presence awakens, exploiting Jack's weaknesses and Danny's psychic abilities (his 'shining'), driving the family toward tragedy. King wrote the novel during his own struggles with alcoholism while staying at Colorado's Stanley Hotel, where the story was conceived after a nightmare. The book was King's first hardcover bestseller and established his reputation beyond the horror genre. Critics praised its psychological depth, rich characterization, and King's ability to build suspense without relying solely on supernatural elements. The novel explores addiction, isolation, family violence, and the inheritance of trauma with nuance and complexity. Stanley Kubrick's 1980 film adaptation, while commercially and critically successful, famously departed from King's vision—he has expressed dissatisfaction with how Kubrick's version diminished Jack's personal demons and redemptive arc. In response, King later produced a more faithful 1997 miniseries. For many readers, The Shining represents a perfect balance of psychological and supernatural horror, with scenes like Room 217 and the hedge animals becoming iconic in horror literature. The book's exploration of a father's terrifying transformation resonated deeply with readers and influenced countless works across media. It remains among King's most analyzed novels and a cornerstone of his bibliography.

Themes

• Madness
• Addiction
• Supernatural
• Family
• Isolation

Adaptations

• 1980 Stanley Kubrick film
• 1997 TV miniseries

Collector Notes

The original Doubleday edition in fine condition is among the most valuable. Signed first editions are especially sought after by collectors.