Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a first edition, first printing of Stephen King's 1996 horror novel 'Desperation'. It features the striking, surreal cover art by Mark Ryden, which was designed to connect side-by-side with the cover of its companion novel, 'The Regulators' (written under King's Richard Bachman pseudonym).
Story
Published on September 24, 1996, this book was part of a unique literary experiment. King released this novel simultaneously with its mirror-universe twin, 'The Regulators', using the same characters in a completely different setting.
Maker / Origin
Stephen King, the 'King of Horror', is one of the most prolific and successful American writers of all time. By 1996, he was experimenting heavily with publishing formats, including this dual-release concept and his serialized novel 'The Green Mile' published earlier that same year.
Condition & Value
The dust jacket shows some minor edge wear and light scuffing, but the colors remain vibrant. The internal pages appear clean and the binding is tight. Excellent condition keeps it at the higher end of the value range.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.