'Salem's Lot [First Edition Coded Q37 in Original Father Cody Wrapper]

Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Company, 1975. Beautifully signed on custom SK bookplate at front endpaper: "Stephen King". Rare early signature on original SK bookplate features Stephen King printed in bold capital letter font seen on early SK novels with thatched border. Very attractive. First edition stated, code Q37 at page 439. First edition dust wrapper with Father Cody error as the bad priest; a misprint, as Callahan was the "bad priest." Blood red boards, black cloth spine wrap, gilt spine titles, moderate shelf wear, clean. Deckled pages very good; no writing. Light page ripple to first few pages. Bind fine, square; hinges intact. Original dust wrapper, some edge wear, rub, adhesive, crease; clipped, protected in fine clear sleeve. Rare very good first printing in solid first state wrapper with Cody error. One of Stephen King's true classics, where he offers an interpretation of Bram Stoker's Dracula. In SK's second published novel he describes Salem's Lot as a town first touched by an evil and horrific murder-suicide involving a prominent citizen - and former hitman - named Hubie Marston. And, now overlooked by this empty and terrible house. The village has its collection of small-town secrets and moral corruptions, though, and is finally invaded by a Vampiric plague, starting with the shadowy new owner of the Marston House, Richard Straker, and his familiar, Kurt Barlow. Another new resident, writer Ben Mears who grew up in the town, joins with a local doctor, a teacher, and young Mark Petrie to fight against the town's demise. Salem's Lot knew darkness and the awful, heavy silence of terrifying images grotesquely dancing in and out of the shadows. Stark, white faces, huge, glowing eyes and long, gnarled hands that reached out with lustful insistence. The paralyzing fear of a diabolical corruption and hideous peril more dreadful than death. But, no one in Salem's Lot dared to speak of the high, sweet, evil laughter of a child, and the terrible sucking sounds... Apprx. 5 3/4" x 8 1/2" design. 439 pages. Insured post.. Signed by Author. First Edition. Hardcover. Very Good/Good. Illus. by Christensen, Dave (Jacket Illustration). 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Book.