Thinner by Stephen King (Richard Bachman) | 1984 First Printing, 4th Impression

This is a rare collectible copy of Thinner by Stephen King, writing under his Richard Bachman pseudonym. Published in 1984 by New American Library, it’s a first printing, fourth impression—making it an early and highly desirable edition from King’s “secret identity” years.

The dust jacket shows a bit of history, with a small tear on the back corner that a previous owner taped. To keep it safe, I’ve placed it in a fresh, clear archival Broadart wrapper so it’s well protected for years to come.

The story itself is classic King: an arrogant lawyer is cursed by a Romani woman to waste away no matter how much he eats. On the surface it’s a tale of horror and revenge, but beneath that it’s a philosophical exploration of guilt, punishment, and what it means to face inevitable decay. Like many of King’s works, Thinner has faced challenges for its violence and dark subject matter—controversy that only underscores its cultural significance.

This book isn’t just a chilling read; it’s also a window into the existential themes that run through King’s work. Can guilt consume not only the mind but also the body? Is justice ever truly fair, or is it always tinged with cruelty? Questions like these make Thinner an unforgettable addition to any collection.