Signed Typescript Excerpt from Cujo with First Edition Copy

This unique and scarce piece of modern horror memorabilia features a typed excerpt from Stephen King’s 1981 classic, Cujo, typed on a vintage typewriter and boldly signed by the master of horror himself. The excerpt encapsulates the novel’s chilling story, culminating in the stark final sentence: “He went for her neck.” During the late 1970s and 1980s, King frequently produced these souvenir typescripts in very small batches for promotional events, charity auctions, or as personal gifts for friends and collectors. This one, was likely produced in 1980-1 for promotion of Cujo. Because they were never mass-produced, they are a rare find today, capturing a tangible piece of King's creative process from one of his most intense writing periods.

The excerpt highlights the chilling narrative of the novel, signed in ink by King to authenticate its connection to his typewriter and his work. Because King has famously noted that he remembers very little about writing Cujo due to personal struggles at the time, authentic ephemera from this specific era holds a particularly legendary status among fans. It stands as an exceptional collector's item, perfectly bridging literary history with a personal touch from King’s own desk.

Released in 1981, Stephen King’s Cujo is a relentless horror novel set in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine. The story follows a friendly, 200-pound Saint Bernard who contracts rabies after being bitten by a sick bat. As the disease ravages the dog's mind, he transforms into a terrifying killing machine, eventually trapping Donna Trenton and her young son Tad inside their broken-down Ford Pinto. Unlike King's other works, Cujo lacks any supernatural elements, driving its suspense from a heartbreaking, claustrophobic survival scenario where "man's best friend" turns into a lethal threat.

During the writing of Cujo, King was at the absolute peak of a severe and dark struggle with alcohol and cocaine addiction. In his memoir On Writing, King famously admitted that he has no memory of writing the book at all, noting a profound sense of sorrow that he cannot recall enjoying the creative process of one of his most popular works. This chaotic period eventually led to a family intervention, which pushed King toward sobriety. Today, King's lasting legacy is defined not only by his immense catalog of classic horror and millions of books sold but also by his openness about his recovery, proving that his immense storytelling power survived long after he left his addictions behind.

The typescript is on a white sheet, professionally mounted, matted, and framed. 14.5 × 16.5 inches with frame. Fine framing with brown wood frame, brass bevel, and black matte. Text and signature is clearly visible. Typescript is in fine condition, a couple dings to the frame and slight warp to overall display. 

First edition Cujo features brown boards and black canvas spine with silver lettering. Original pictorial dust wrapper. Clean copy. Not price clipped. Fine condition overall.