Stephen King, the undisputed ‘King of Horror,’ has thrilled readers for decades with his chilling novels, including masterpieces like The Shining and IT. While these books have been immortalized on screen, one of King’s lesser-known novels has gained notoriety for entirely different reasons. It has become one of the most sought-after books in the literary world. Not because it’s beloved, but because it was pulled from publication by King himself.
A Controversial Novel with a Dark Legacy
The novel in question is Rage, which King published in 1977 under his pseudonym, Richard Bachman. Rage follows a troubled high school student who brings a gun to school, kills a teacher, and holds his classmates hostage. The psychological thriller provides an unsettling look at the mind of a teenage shooter. A story that, while fictional, has disturbing ties to real-life events.
What makes Rage even more notorious is its connection to several tragic school shootings. Although the book was written well before these incidents, it has been linked to multiple violent acts. In 1988, a student in San Gabriel, California, held his classmates hostage and later mentioned King’s novel. Over the years, other young perpetrators involved in school shootings were reportedly found with copies of Rage in their possession, cementing its dark reputation.
Stephen King’s Decision to Pull Rage from Publication
In a 2013 essay titled Guns, Stephen King reflected on his decision to pull Rage from publication. Stating that it was “the responsible thing to do.” King wrote the book in what he describes as “a different world,” long before school shootings became an all-too-common tragedy. He recognized that, in today’s climate, the book had the potential to be misinterpreted and even inspire violence.
King explained, “I suppose if it had been written today, and some high school English teacher had seen it, he would have rushed the manuscript to the guidance counselor and I would have found myself in therapy posthaste. But 1965 was a different world. One where you didn’t have to take off your shoes before boarding a plane and there were no metal detectors at the entrances to high schools.”
A Time For Change
This sentiment encapsulates King’s acknowledgment that society has changed, and so have the consequences of certain ideas in literature. The author expressed deep concern over Rage‘s unintended impact, leading him to make the tough but necessary choice to let the book fade out of print.
The Haunting Real-Life Incidents Tied to Rage
Several real-life school shootings have eerily mirrored the storyline of Rage. In 1989, a senior high school student in Kentucky took his classmates hostage for nine hours, and authorities found a copy of Rage in his locker. In 1996, a 14-year-old killed two students and a teacher, with King’s novel reportedly found on his nightstand.
Perhaps the most chilling incident occurred in 1997, when another 14-year-old shot several classmates, killing three. Investigators discovered a copy of Rage in his possession, leading to public concern about the novel’s influence.
Tragedy Fueling Criticism
While it is impossible to definitively link any book to acts of violence, these tragedies fueled criticism of Rage and cemented its controversial status. King, in response, saw the gravity of the situation and made the proactive decision to ensure the book would no longer be available.
A Rare and Sought-After Collector’s Item
Although Rage was pulled from publication, it briefly remained available as part of The Bachman Books. A collection of short novels King published under his Richard Bachman alias. It wasn’t until later that the book was entirely discontinued, making existing copies highly sought after by collectors.
In BookFinder.com’s 2013 list of the 100 most sought-after out-of-print books, Rage ranked at number two, just behind Madonna’s controversial photo book Sex. Prices for Rage have skyrocketed, with used copies selling for anywhere from $700 to over $2,000. Despite its dark history, the novel’s rarity has made it a coveted piece of King’s literary legacy.
King’s Regret and the End of Rage
In his 2007 novel Blaze, Stephen King left a footnote about Rage that underscored his decision: “Now out of print, and a good thing.” This simple yet powerful statement shows the depth of his regret over the novel’s unintended influence. King has repeatedly said that he doesn’t believe in banning books, but in this case, he felt morally obligated to remove Rage from circulation.
The decision reflects a nuanced understanding of the power of fiction and the responsibility that comes with being a writer in an ever-changing world. King’s choice to pull Rage from shelves wasn’t just about protecting his reputation. It was about preventing any further tragedies linked to his work.
The Lasting Impact of Rage and King’s Legacy
While Rage may never be reprinted, it remains an important part of Stephen King’s vast body of work. The decision to withdraw it from circulation was a rare move by an author who has faced controversies before, but it highlights the evolving relationship between art and society.
Stephen King’s legacy as a master of horror is intact, but Rage stands as a reminder that even fictional stories can have real-world consequences.