King, Stephen (1983) ‘Christine’, US signed and beautifully inscribed association copy to his editor at Doubleday Bill Thompson. Together with a copy of the ‘Christine’ manuscript

Stephen King (1983) ‘Christine‘, US first edition, first printing, published by Viking. Signed and warmly inscribed by the author to Bill Thompson and his family: “For Bill and Andrea and Emily – | Best wishes and many thanks | for being so supportive of this book | before it was published! | Best to all, | Stephen King | 4/6/83.” [dated before the actual publication date which was 29 April 1983]. In fine condition with light shelf wear only.

Together with a copy of the complete typed manuscript. Likely printed from a word processor and photocopied. The draft with some original hand-notations in green ink and pencil [presumably Bill Thompson’s], other corrections in black are part of the copy. The final leaf is dated 17 June 1982 in type. 764 numbered double-spaced leaves, housed in its original card box, comprising the title, dedication, contents, section titles and text. 8 1/2 x 11 inches. Edges toned, the title and first leaves toned and worn along edges. The first three leaves with dried moisture stains at the bottom, thereafter clean.

Provenance: Bill Thomson was Stephen King’s first editor and discoverer at Doubleday. Back in the early 1970s he stood up for King when ‘Carrie’ landed on his desk, fought for him and secured the then young author an advance of USD 2,500. The two men have been friends for five decades. ‘Christine’, although not edited by Bill is among Thompson’s favourite three novels written by King. We cannot think of a better association copy than this.

Before the advent of the internet, the original manuscripts would have been photocopied at the publishing house and circulated to the people involved in the pre-publication process. Note that this is one of the copies of the manuscript – an original of the importance of ‘Christine’ in King’s canon would fetch multiples more of our asking price. However, we can safely deduce that not more than a dozen of manuscript copies would have been produced with very few surviving the passage of time and recycling. This is a rare opportunity to acquire such a piece.

‘Christine’ was famouly adapted into the iconic 1983 John Carpenter film.