The Running Man

Sevenoaks, Kent: New English Library. Very Good-. 1983. First English Edition. Original decorated wrappers. 0450056422 . Edition statement states first NEL publication is December 1983. Occasional spot of foxing to edges. Top right hand corner front cover and first few pages creased. Slight creasing to spine. Slight wear to spine, covers & corners. ; "The Running Man" is a dystopian novel written by Richard Bachman, a pseudonym of Stephen King. Set in a bleak future in the year 2025, the story centers on Ben Richards, an impoverished man desperate to earn money to support his sick daughter and wife. Richards participates in a brutal reality TV show called "The Running Man," where contestants are hunted by professional killers and must survive for 30 days to win a grand prize. The show is broadcast nationwide, and the public is incentivized to report sightings of the fugitive contestants. Richards proves to be a formidable and resourceful opponent, evading capture through his intelligence and cunning. As the hunt progresses, he uncovers the corrupt nature of the game and the network behind it. The novel explores themes of economic disparity, media manipulation, and the dehumanizing effects of reality television. The intense pace, moral questions, and Richards' struggle for survival make "The Running Man" a gripping and thought-provoking read. Richard Bachman is the pseudonym of acclaimed American author Stephen King, used to publish several novels in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The pen name allowed King to release more books than the industry norm of one per year and to experiment with different styles and genres. Bachman's works include "Rage," "The Long Walk," "Roadwork," "The Running Man," and "Thinner." These novels often explore darker and more dystopian themes compared to King's other works. The true identity of Richard Bachman was revealed in 1985 after a bookstore clerk noticed similarities between the writing styles of King and Bachman. This revelation did not diminish the popularity of Bachman's works, which continue to be celebrated by fans of Stephen King. Pre-1985 editions of Richard Bachman novels are highly collectible and are recognized for their unique contributions to the thriller and dystopian genres, showcasing King's versatility as a writer. ; 17.5 x 11 x 1.7 cms; 220 pages .