1970 Stephen King, Tabitha Spruce, George MacLeod, Bruce Holsapple, "MOTH" Softcover First Edition w/Traycase

Beyond its value as a collectible, "Moth" holds historical significance in the context of Stephen King's bibliography. It represents a part of his early literary output that laid the foundation for his later success as a bestselling author.

Orono, Maine. The Blanket Conspiracy 1970. "Moth". Copyright and introduction both dated 1970. Also at copyright page are thanks to: "The Classes of 1934, '72, and '73." Stiff white pictorial wraps. Light cover. Front cover features a rather unique design entitled "Man Dropping a Bird" by Diane McPherson.  Moth is the culminating publication from a University of Maine student poetry seminar from 1968-69 where King states he fell in love with Tabitha Spruce (see Stephen King’s "On Writing"). Tabitha has several poems also published in the anthology. Includes custom matching traycase.

This is the first appearance in book form of three poems by "Steve" King, pre-dating any commercial printing of his work.

The most noteworthy contribution is "The Dark Man", genesis of his sprawling epic series "The Dark Tower".  SK's third piece is entitled "Silence". 

About "Moth"

Rare historical anthology from a baker's dozen who attended a university seminar on poetry in 1968 and thereafter met regularly to read and discuss their work. This collection evolved out of this seminar at the University of Maine, where King was a student. In SK's autobiographical book "On Writing" he describes falling in love with Tabitha during this very workshop and details the event and milieu thereafter in some depth. King wrote other poems and stories for literary magazines before he was published commercially, but this anthology represents the most significant example and also the confluence of several important individuals in his later life and career.

All contributors include: J. J. Bishop (Introduction); Michael Alpert; Susan Lienhard; Dave Lyon; Diane McPherson (Poems and Cover Design); Steve King; Bruce Holsapple; Stephen Black; Mike Gilleland; Jim Smith; S. Holden Dresser; Tabitha Spruce; George MacLeod; and, Jean Stewart.

• Editor: George MacLeod
• Co-editor: Bruce Holsapple
• Approximately 75 pages.
• Size: 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" Tall. 

The second poem "Donovan's Brain", was inspired by the Curt Siodmak novel, and movie of the same name. Interestingly, this sci-fi/horror story of an evil disembodied brain influencing lab scientists was produced in two full-length 1953 and 1962 versions, each directed by Felix Feist. The first version is considered better. The 1953 film co-stars Nancy Reagan..

Michael Alpert, who penned the opening three poems, later worked with SK as co-founder of Philtrum Press, where he designed and composed the type for "The Plant," and the limited editions of "The Eyes of the Dragon," and "Six Stories".

Significance

"Moth" is significant for Stephen King collectors primarily because it marks one of King's earliest published works and is considered a rare and collectible piece of his early writing career. It had a limited print run and rare to find copies in good condition. It offers collectors a glimpse into King's formative years as a writer.

Early Work: "Moth" was published in 1970 when Stephen King was still a relatively unknown writer. It predates his major breakthrough with "Carrie," which was published in 1974. For collectors, owning a copy of "Moth" represents a connection to King's early days as a writer and provides insight into his development and style before he became widely recognized. While King had been initially published in 1965 in Comics Review and in a few magazines in the late 1960s and his college newspaper, this is King’s first significant publication of fictional works in book form (three poems). This poetry anthology predates Carrie by four years.

Collectibility: As with many rare books, the value and collectibility of the 1970 "Moth" book have increased over the years, especially as Stephen King's fame and influence in the literary world have grown. Collectors often seek out such early editions to complete their collections or to own a piece of literary history.

Stephen King

Stephen Edwin King (born September 21, 1947) is an American author. Called the "King of Horror", he has also explored other genres, among them suspense, crime, science-fiction, fantasy and mystery. He has also written approximately 200 short stories, most of which have been published in collections.

His debut, Carrie (1974), established him in horror. Different Seasons (1982), a collection of four novellas, was his first major departure from the genre. Among the films adapted from King's fiction are Carrie, Christine, The Shining, The Dead Zone, Stand by Me, Misery, Dolores Claiborne, The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile and It. He has published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman and has co-written works with other authors, notably his friend Peter Straub and sons Joe Hill and Owen King. He has also written nonfiction, notably On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.

Several of King's works have won the Bram Stoker and August Derleth Awards. He has also won awards for his overall contributions to literature, including the 2003 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, the 2007 Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America and the 2014 National Medal of Arts. Joyce Carol Oates called King "a brilliantly rooted, psychologically 'realistic' writer for whom the American scene has been a continuous source of inspiration, and American popular culture a vast cornucopia of possibilities."