Rare Stephen King book to auction for charity in Maine

A rare, limited edition and signed Stephen King book will excite horror fans in Maine, as it goes under the hammer in a bid to raise funds for charity.

Stephen King Richard Bachman The Regulators
The manuscript was found by fictional
Bachman's widow

King's The Regulators is currently on display at Scotties Bookstore in Hancock, Maine. Collectors are able to place bids in person, by phone or by email until January 31.

The book was published in 1996 under King's pen name, Richard Bachman, at the same time as its partner novel, Desperation. Both novels are set in parallel universes to one another, and when placed side by side, their covers create a complete artwork.

King had previously "killed" Richard Bachman after the pen name was exposed in the mid 1980s. However, an editor's note explains that the manuscript for The Regulators was found by the fictional Bachman's widow and subsequently published.

The edition at auction is one of just 550 copies printed with the special cover. After the owner alerted Stephen King to the cause, the book is now also signed by the Maine-native inside its front cover.

Proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Emmaus Homeless Shelter, who will use the money to benefit its emergency fuel fund for those struggling to meet energy costs in winter.

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