“If there are ten thousand medieval peasants who create vampires by believing them real, there may be one–probably a child–who will imagine the stake necessary to kill it. But a stake is only stupid wood; the mind is the mallet which drives it home.”

American novelist and short story writer of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Stephen King is best known for his horror fiction, which often explores psychological depth and darkly human themes. His prolific output includes iconic works like *Carrie*, *The Shining*, and *It*, blending supernatural terror with vivid character studies.