King Kong

The giant prehistoric gorilla King Kong is one of the most recognized images in our culture. So great is the mighty Kong's hold on the popular imagination that his story-a gripping yarn of man versus nature, coupled with a fantastical update of the Beauty and the Beast legend-has been thrice made into a motion picture (most recently in 2005) and referenced endlessly in every medium, from books to prime-time sitcoms.

Beneath King Kong's cultural significance, however, is a tense and surprisingly tender story. One cannot help but be frightened by Kong's uncontrollable fury, be saddened over the giant's capture, mistreatment, and exploitation by venal showmen, or sympathize with the beast's ill-fated affection for the down-on-her-luck starlet Ann Darrow.

This Modern Library edition of a true colossus among adventure stories is reprinted from the original 1932 novelization of the movie script, and includes a Preface by Mark Cotta Vaz, the preeminent biographer of Merian C. Cooper, producer of the original 1933 classic film.

A young film actress on location on a remote jungle island is chosen by the natives to be the bride of their giant gorilla god Kong.

King Kong remains one of the most enduring icons of American popular culture — a massively destructive but curiously sympathetic giant gorilla whose rampage through New York City suggests, on a psychological level, the re-emergence of repressed desire. This novelization captures the pathos, drama, and horror of this story of the beast who loved a human beauty. The action begins with the controversial expedition of Hollywood filmmaker Carl Denham to Skull Island as he pursues a mythical monster. Enticing Kong with beautiful starlet Ann Darrow, Denham manages to chain the beast and bring him to New York, where he escapes to terrorize an entire city while pursuing the woman he loves. Expanded from the original story by Merian Cooper and British mystery maven Edgar Wallace, this version features stunning illustrations of the ape and his adventures.

Publishers Weekly

Rudnicki provides his melodious baritone to this novelization of the classic movie, King Kong, which is pretty much the 1933 screenplay, scene for scene. Rudnicki presents the story in a straightforward, no-nonsense manner. He keeps his characterizations diverse but restrained, even when dealing with the natives on Skull Island and their 1930s fabricated language. He maintains a solid, respectful tone for the somewhat dated and melodramatic prose and provides a fine, laid-back performance. Even more enjoyable are the commentaries found on disc five. Of the commentators presenting their thoughts on the film, Ray Bradbury and Ray Harryhausen give the most reverent testimonies, crediting their viewing of the original King Kong as a life-changing event. In contrast, Orson Scott Card states that he just doesn't get all the hubbub. For him, the film, with its primitive-by-today's-standards animation, is "a complete bust." With curmudgeonly charm, the most humorous commentary goes to Harlan Ellison, who praises the original 1933 film and vilifies those who would seek to remake it. The other commentators (including Larry Niven, Catherine Asaro, Jack Williamson, Marc Scott Zicree) offer various insights to Kong, but most tend to be fond tributes to this ultimate tale of the beast and his beauty. Simultaneous release with the Modern Library paperback. (Oct.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Greg Bear is the author of more than twenty-five books, including Darwin’s Radio and Dead Lines. He has been awarded two Hugos and five Nebulas for his fiction.