The Long Walk

London: New English Library/Times Mirror. Very Good-. 1980. First Edition Thus; First Impression. Original decorated wrappers. 0450049574 . First published in the New English Library in September 1980. Slight creasing to spine, bottom spine a little damaged. Slight wear & slight soiling to spine, covers & corners. ; "The Long Walk" by Richard Bachman, a pseudonym of Stephen King, is a dystopian novel set in a future America where a totalitarian regime holds an annual event known as "The Long Walk." One hundred teenage boys participate in this grueling competition, walking continuously without stopping. If they fall below a certain speed, they receive warnings, and after three warnings, they are executed. The last boy remaining wins a grand prize of wealth and anything he desires. The story follows sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty, who enters the Long Walk with hopes of victory. As the walk progresses, Ray forms fragile alliances and rivalries with other contestants, each boy coping with the physical and psychological challenges in different ways. The novel delves into themes of survival, camaraderie, and the human spirit's limits under extreme pressure. With its intense pacing and emotional depth, "The Long Walk" is a powerful exploration of endurance and the will to survive. Richard Bachman is the pseudonym used by renowned author Stephen King for publishing several novels in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This alias allowed King to release more books than typically permitted by the industry and to explore different styles and themes. Bachman's notable works include "Rage," "The Long Walk," "Roadwork," "The Running Man," and "Thinner," each characterized by darker, more dystopian themes compared to King's other works. In 1985, Bachman's true identity was uncovered by a bookstore clerk, which led to increased interest in the Bachman books. Despite this revelation, the novels published under the Bachman pseudonym remain popular, and pre-1985 editions of these works are highly collectible. Richard Bachman's legacy endures through these distinctive and thought-provoking novels, showcasing Stephen King's versatility and depth as a writer. ; 17.7 x 10.5 x 2; 256 pages .