The Plant. The Opening Segment of an Ongoing Work and Part Two.

KING, Stephen.

$16,000.00

Item Number: 136499

Bangor, Maine: Philtrum Press, 1982-1983.

First editions of the first two parts of King’s rare unfinished epistolary novel. Octavo, original saddle-sewn olive green wrappers with folding flaps stamped and lettered in black, each part is one of 200 numbered copies printed at the Stinehour Press and designed by Michael Alpert: Part One, No. 147; Part Two, No. 138. Presentation copies, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper of Part I, “For Barbara – All best, and have a very Happy New Year! Stephen King 1/11/83” and on the half-title page of Part II, “For Barbara – with best wishes, Steve King 1/2/83.” With an additional autograph letter signed by and entirely in the hand of King on Hotel Du Cap D’Antibes letterhead laid in which reads, “May 15, 1980 For Barbara – With all best wishes; hope you enjoyed your birthday. I’d sing, but I can’t hold a tune… Anyway, be well – Stephen King.” The recipient, Barbara Pflughaupt worked as publicist for the King film adaptation of Cujo (1983) and Creepshow (1982), the latter film starring the author himself in one of the segments. With an additional dummy copy of Part Three which would would appear in 1985. Each volume housed in a folding chemise slipcase and all three housed in a custom full morocco clamshell box. Two very scarce and desirable volumes from the master of horror’s rare unfinished novel.

"On June 7, 2000, King posted a letter on his official Web site soliciting opinions from his 'Constant Readers' as to whether or not he should publish The Plant...The first installment was posted in early July and monthly installments continued through December, at which point King declared that the six installments published comprised the first part of the novel and that that section was called 'Zenith Rising'" (Spignesi: The Essential Stephen King 177). King wrote a few parts of The Plant and sent them out as chapbooks to his friends, instead of Christmas cards, in 1982, 1983, and 1985. Philtrum Press produced three installments before the story was shelved, with the original editions now regarded as highly desirable collector's items.