The Reaper's Image

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"The Reaper's Image"
Author Stephen King
Country Flag of the United States USA
Language English
Genre(s) Horror short stories
Published in Startling Mystery Stories (1st release),
Skeleton Crew
Publication type Magazine
Media type Print (Periodical & Paperback)
Publication date 1969

The Reaper's Image is a horror story by Stephen King, first published in Startling Mystery Stories in 1969 and collected in Skeleton Crew in 1985. The story is about an antique mirror haunted by the visage of the Grim Reaper, who appears to those who gaze it.

[edit] Plot summary

The story concerns a visit by antique collector Johnson Spangler to the Samuel Claggert mansion, a mansion estate full of Claggert's assembled possessions and "blatant junk", in attempt to buy the legendary DeIver's mirror. The museum curator, Mr. Carlin, ushers Spangler through the building, recounting the storied history of the rare Elizabethan mirror, which has been plagued by incidents of attempted destruction.

Carlin tells the skeptical Spangler the image of the Reaper is rumored to appear in the mirror, standing close to the viewer. Spangler scoffs, but feels unnamable horror when he looks into the mirror. As Carlin relates the history of a high school boy who saw the Reaper and disappeared without a trace, Spangler becomes ill and rushes out of the second floor never to appear again.

[edit] External links

This short story-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.