PDA

View Full Version : The Bachman Shining



Randall Flagg
01-03-2008, 02:52 PM
Does anyone here recall the controversy/discussion over a purported copy of The Shining with Richard Bachman listed as author?
After reading the following and looking at the pictures, I think it was a great hoax, done by someone with very good Photoshop skills.
Thoughts?

Body of discussion and photos:

The Bachman Shining

On January 11th of 2006, an Ebay member known as "antiquebasics1985" ran an auction for a very unusual first-edition copy of the novel "The Shining". While appearing to be a true, if somewhat worn, first edition of the Doubleday book first published in 1977, the author information on both the hardcover spine and dustjacket attribute the novel to "Richard Bachman", rather than Stephen King. As fans of Stephen King's fiction know, Richard Bachman is a pseudonym King wrote several books under during the seventies and eighties. King finally reluctantly admitted the identity of Bachman and rewrote Bachman's bio, announcing the fictional author's untimely demise (King cited "cancer of the pseudonym" as the cause of death). The seller of the unusual first edition of what came to be called "The Bachman Shining" seemed unaware of the significance of Bachman's name, but did mention that he or she believed the book had been written by King, and supposed that the book represented a rare miss-print.

Controversy

Within twenty-four hours, the Ebay auction of the Bachman Shining was met with a storm of curiosity and controversy. The Associated Press released a story about the enigmatic auction, interviewing a former publishing executive who suggested that the strange book might have been part of a once-proposed plan by Doubleday to capitalize on the Bachman/King controversy. Yahoo and MSN both ran the AP story, resulting in a flood of curious onlookers to the Ebay auction. Doubleday, when approached by Ebay fraud specialists, called the Bachman Shining an "amusing but ridiculous forgery". The statement was then retracted, with a Doubleday spokesperson claiming that "no conclusive judgement could be made" about the book. Ebay, after suspending the auction, reinstated it with a legal disclaimer. Finally, after its three day run, the auction, which had begun with a fifty dollar opening bid, ended with a last known bid of nearly $18,000.

Strange Silence

Almost immediately, all refererence to the auction was pulled. No information was released regarding the buyer. Additionally, the seller, antiquebasics1985, who had sold a wide variety of antiques and collectibles on Ebay with many good ratings, was apparently either renamed or removed from the site. No correspondence with Ebay regarding these events has been returned.

The Enigma

In the absence of any further information about the Bachman Shining, it's seller or buyer, we are left with only the images used on the Ebay auction, which are fortunately fairly large scans and photographs. Using these, we have been able to compare the Bachman Shining to a standard Stephen King first edition and have catalogued several very intriguing and curious facts about this very enigmatic book:



The Bachman Edition bio photo and text appear on the inside rear flap of the dustjacket in exactly the same place, and using the exact same font style and size as the King version. The photo of Bachman is not the same as the one used by King to represent Bachman, although it shows a younger man with very similar features.
The Bachman photo is made up of a dot-matrix gradation system (such as that used in newspaper photos), rather than a modern DPI system. Further, the dot matrix aspect ratio is exactly the same as that of the corresponding King bio photo in the standard first edition.
The Bachman Shining bio includes a reference to Bachman's son and gives him a name (George). No name was ever given for Bachman's fictional son in the official biographies issued by King and Doubleday.
Bachman's embossed name on the hardcover spine of the Bachman Shining perfectly matches the weave of the cloth, disputing claims that the image has been digitally forged.
The author name on the dustjacket of both the Bachman Shining and the standard King edition uses an original font, not easily duplicated.
The Bachman Shining is observably in medium to poor condition, exhibiting stains, a yellowed and creased dustjacket, a broken spine, and many cracks and nicks. This is a rarity among forgers, since faking age signs is notoriously difficult, as well as for the very pragmatic reason that poor quality books have a much lower value.
Officially unnoticed during the auction, The ISBN number of the Bachman Shining is slightly different than the stadard King edition. According to the Library of Congress, no book has been published with that ISBN number.These are the facts and the enigma of the Bachman Shining. One more element of the mystery can be added to the overall story, although any connections are, at this point, purely speculative.

"Not He Who Tells"

In late January, a short story began circulating online, first through file-sharing networks such as Gnutella, and then more openly on some fiction and horror related blogs and websites. The story, titled "Not He Who Tells" (although some postings say it is untitled) most notably appeared on www.kingfanweb.com, where it became the center of some very heated debate and argument. Officially anonymous, the story follows the rather threatening adventures of a very famous horror writer who, while considering retirement, comes face-to-face (so to speak) with the reality of fiction and the potentially dire repercussions of what retirement might mean for him. According to various accounts, the story was discovered abandoned in a library in either Pennsylvania or Upstate New York, neatly typewritten and left anonymously on a table in a seldom used corner. The librarian who discovered the manuscript evidently transcribed the pages and released them online either to discover the author or to simply share the discovery, with the belief that the story might be the work of someone famous. A casual reading of the story does indeed remind one stylistically of both King and Bachman (specifically Bachman's "Rage" and "The Long Walk"), but with certain apparently deliberate differences.

Theories

The timing of the story's release, and the stylistic similarities it embodies, would seem to hint at a conspiracy of some kind. More than one person has posited that the Bachman Shining and the mysterious release of "Not He Who Tells" represents a "viral" marketing ploy by King (or more likely Simon & Schuster, his current publisher) to excite interest in his latest release, "Cell". If this is the case, then one must assume that the ploy is an abysmall failure, considering the virtual media blackout regarding the Bachman Shining since the Ebay auction ended. Still, much has been said about "Not He Who Tells", it's similarities to Bachman's works, and the apparently not-quite-coincidental appearance of the enigmatic Bachman Shining, seeming to imply a possible "resurrection" of Bachman himself. Or, if one were to believe some of the stories, and even "Not He Who Tells" itself, then perhaps even more inexplicable and strange things may be in play than a mere publisher's marketing ploy.

We may never know the full truth behind the Bachman Shining and "Not He Who Tells", but this writer will share any further updates as soon as any new information becomes available.


http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/5533/shiningcover1bf5.jpg


http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/881/shiningbindingvz4.jpg
Web link to more photos and site (http://www.bachmanshining.com/)

NeedfulKings
01-03-2008, 03:29 PM
Amazing. This is the first time I've heard of this.

The e-bay listing they show (to me) looks to be written by a crook. Making common mistakes (on purpose) such as "Steven King" etc. All in an effort to make them look naive.

I agree. Photoshop. Unless the actual book surfaces and the cloth cover and dust jacket can be analyzed, I'm not buying it at all.

carlosdetweiller
01-03-2008, 03:37 PM
I never heard of that which surprises me considering how much time I spend on eBay. I guess since "King" is not listed in the title it didn't show up on my searches. Was it ever discussed on thedarktower.net?

Matt
01-03-2008, 03:37 PM
Pretty wild little story there, I read it word for word and I'm still not sure whats up with it. :lol:

Randall Flagg
01-03-2008, 03:41 PM
As I said, I think it was a great hoax. Particularly if no one was ripped off paying for it.
In fact, I am not sure the E-bay page is real. The website I found it on could itself be a hoax. Great fodder for discussion though.

Matt
01-03-2008, 04:49 PM
Very much so. I suppose something like this could be done easily especially since there is "no record" remaining of the transaction or the seller.

Room 217 Caretaker
01-04-2008, 03:20 AM
As I said, I think it was a great hoax. Particularly if no one was ripped off paying for it.
In fact, I am not sure the E-bay page is real. The website I found it on could itself be a hoax. Great fodder for discussion though.

I have to agree with the "Great Hoax" theory.

I too, spend a lot of time on Ebay. The Shining is my favorite. I'm always telling sellers what a first edition is or isn't, arguing auctions that state First Edition BOOK CLUB editions (this one always makes me nuts), or stated First Edition because of NO NUMBER LINE :panic:

I never saw the The Bachman Shining auction. In fact, I've never heard of this until now. :orely: Very Interesting.

RF...Do you mind if I copy the posted picture for my The Shining portfolio?

Mulleins
Cumberland VA

Ari_Racing
01-04-2008, 04:13 AM
What shining portfolio?

Room 217 Caretaker
01-04-2008, 04:54 AM
What shining portfolio?

Hello Ari.

It's just a personal folder that I keep cool tidbits in about The Shining. Article clippings, pictures, notes, etc.

I want to add this "fake" picture of The Shining by Bachman.

I think it's funny.

Mulleins

Ari_Racing
01-04-2008, 06:34 AM
I'd love to see a pic of that! :)

Randall Flagg
01-04-2008, 07:30 AM
Mulleins, feel free to copy it, after all....I did.:thumbsup:

herbertwest
01-04-2008, 12:46 PM
Never heard about it as well, before now.

Thanks for the article..


What about the short story as well?
Fake? Never heard about it before...

What was the kingfanweb website? doesnt work anymore, and if you google it...

herbertwest
01-04-2008, 12:52 PM
Found this link related to the short story and the bachman shining...

http://www.mellowtiger.com/

midnightrambler34
01-04-2008, 01:23 PM
I would have to wager on a well put together fraud.:evil: But the question would be, was SK using and publishing under the Richard Bachman name at the same time The Shining was released? And was it the same publishing company? Without doing the reasearch, I dont think so, right? Either way, whoever did it certainly created some interest. I also cant imagine someone stumbling upon something like that ( if it was real) and not doing a little research before putting it on Ebay, but thats just my opinion.

Randall Flagg
01-04-2008, 04:03 PM
But the question would be, was SK using and publishing under the Richard Bachman name at the same time The Shining was released? And was it the same publishing company?
The Shining was published by Doubleday in 1977.
The first 4 Bachman books were published by Signet from 1977-1982.

alinda
01-04-2008, 04:09 PM
Interesting site, wish I could have downloaded the interactive bar?:harrier:

Brice
01-04-2008, 04:13 PM
Interesting site, wish I could have downloaded the interactive bar?:harrier:

If I can I'll try to download it tomorrow. If so, I'd happily email the file if you like. I don't know if that would work though.

Patrick
01-04-2008, 05:54 PM
Found this link related to the short story and the bachman shining...

http://www.mellowtiger.com/

Here's the PDF version of Not He Who Tells (http://www.mellowtiger.com/documents/nhwt.pdf) from that site if anyone is trying to download it.


I think this whole thing is a total hoax, but at least it's an interesting one.

Mr. Rabbit Trick
01-05-2008, 01:58 AM
I think its viral advertising. After all Duma Key is just about to hit the bookstores and extra internet discussion always helps sales.

herbertwest
01-05-2008, 04:14 AM
Yep, but that story (i mean, Bachman SHining) would only interest the collectors, and al the collectors know about the release od Duma, no?

Randall Flagg
01-05-2008, 04:48 AM
I think its viral advertising. After all Duma Key is just about to hit the bookstores and extra internet discussion always helps sales.

I don't believe so. I stumbled onto the site while doing research on Richard Bachman, not King or Duma Key.
The site was registered February 20, 2006. It is registered to a George Li***** from St. Louis, Missouri. Perhaps in a few hours I will try and call him (it is 6:40 am there now). A Zabasearch of the persons name reveals the same address as listed on the registry for the domain. He has a D.O.B. of 1970-Christ the internet is scary.
The only question in my mind is whether or not he is in on the hoax.

Mr. Rabbit Trick
01-05-2008, 04:58 AM
I think its viral advertising. After all Duma Key is just about to hit the bookstores and extra internet discussion always helps sales.

I don't believe so. I stumbled onto the site while doing research on Richard Bachman, not King or Duma Key.
The site was registered February 20, 2006. It is registered to a George Li***** from St. Louis, Missouri. Perhaps in a few hours I will try and call him (it is 6:40 am there now). A Zabasearch of the persons name reveals the same address as listed on the registry for the domain. He has a D.O.B. of 1970-Christ the internet is scary.
The only question in my mind is whether or not he is in on the hoax.

Interesting story. Keep us informed. (The viral advertising theory ties in more with the release of Bachman's Blaze. That would make more sense commercially)

Room 217 Caretaker
01-05-2008, 05:54 AM
Found this link related to the short story and the bachman shining...

http://www.mellowtiger.com/

Here's the PDF version of Not He Who Tells (http://www.mellowtiger.com/documents/nhwt.pdf) from that site if anyone is trying to download it.


I think this whole thing is a total hoax, but at least it's an interesting one.

I have contacted my good friend George Beahm to step in for this discussion. George lives about an hour from me. I'll keep everyone posted on his response.

Mulleins
Cumberland VA

Randall Flagg
01-05-2008, 08:58 AM
I just got off the phone with Mr. George Lippert and we are all kind of correct.
It was a hoax.
The book is a piece of photoshop work, as well as the E-bay page. It never was in fact listed.
Lippert is the author of He Who Tells. The whole ideas was a viral marketing scheme for his story. He said that now that it's been over a year he would admit the hoax, but had we spoken in the past, he would have denied it all. He did notice that links from this site had brought people to the site as well as the story.
I invited him to drop in here, and he said he might do so.

Mr. Rabbit Trick
01-05-2008, 09:19 AM
Well done RF for getting to the bottom of this. I wonder if we would have fallen for it a year ago.

Randall Flagg
01-05-2008, 09:34 AM
I think the consensus would have been the same, we just wouldn't have received an admission from Lippert. Unless of course he told me some great story that I then posted believing it to be true and others then began to believe also.

Mr. Rabbit Trick
01-05-2008, 09:36 AM
Unless of course he told me some great story that I then posted believing it to be true and others then began to believe also.

That would have been enough :unsure:

alinda
01-05-2008, 10:18 AM
:doh: wow, what a scam! If its intention was to get everyone talking tho'
it seems to have done its job. Way to go guys for getting the scoop.

Patrick
01-05-2008, 12:20 PM
I just got off the phone with Mr. George Lippert and we are all kind of correct.
It was a hoax.
The book is a piece of photoshop work, as well as the E-bay page. It never was in fact listed.
Lippert is the author of He Who Tells. The whole ideas was a viral marketing scheme for his story. He said that now that it's been over a year he would admit the hoax, but had we spoken in the past, he would have denied it all. He did notice that links from this site had brought people to the site as well as the story.
I invited him to drop in here, and he said he might do so.
Nice piece of leg work, Jerome. :cool:

Kudos to Mr. Lippert for a well-run creative hoax. Outstanding photoshop skills as well. Hope he stops by.

herbertwest
01-07-2008, 05:48 AM
Impressive research and work RF!

Stevens
01-08-2008, 02:55 PM
Greetings, fellow Dark Tower afficionados. My name is George and I am, indeed, the shadowy figure behind this farce. As you now know, www.bachmanshining.com is a fictional website detailing a fictional eBay sale of a copy of the Shining mistakenly labeled as being by Richard Bachman instead of Stephen King. The website worked in tandem with another site, www.mellowtiger.com, which built on the mystery of the "Bachman Shining", using it to bolster a strange tale of a discovered manuscript, written by either Mr. King or Mr. Bachman (the apparent nonsense of that statement is explained in the manuscript itself). The manuscript in question was called Not He Who Tells.

In truth (obviously) Not He Who Tells was written by myself. It is written in the style of- and as an homage to - Mr. King's work. It was left deliberately ambiguous for reasons that would become apparent were one to read the story.

www.mellowtiger.com hosted the story in both HTML and PDF formats, and featured a realtime interactive 3D environment of the Mellow Tiger bar, inside and out, with many creepy discoverable details which would be recognized only by the King faithful.

While this was an attempt to create a viral marketing campaign, it was rather unsuccessful. Over the year since the site's release, there have been less than 500 visitors, which is, in my book, a dismal failure. By contrast, I recently released a Harry Potter themed online novel and website (www.elderscrossing.com) which has, at this point, received a quarter million readers (to which I say a hearty HOLY CRAP!). Needless to say, I was sorely disappointed by the response to mellowtiger.com, especially since, in many ways, the story it hosts is very near and dear to my heart.

At any rate, le sigh and le moan. That is the tale of the tale, as it were. Perhaps I will still find a way to get it more views (my only real aim is to entertain Mr. King himself with it, and exposure seemed to be the key to that), but then again, in retrospect, perhaps it doesn't deserve it. The tale got some very positive reviews wherever it was read, but in the realm of fanfiction, as we all know, that doesn't mean very much, does it?

Onward and upward.

Randall Flagg
01-08-2008, 03:00 PM
Welcome George. Thanks for popping in. It is great that you took the time to come here and explain your project.
Sorry it was of little success. Of course putting a link in wikipedia on the Richard Bachman page might have helped.:evil:

Patrick
01-08-2008, 03:03 PM
Well, as I said before, I think you did an outstanding job.

Thanks for taking the time to post, George. I sincerely hope you take some time to look around our site and please make yourself at home here. We'd love to hear more from you.

- Patrick

Stevens
01-08-2008, 03:10 PM
Welcome George. Thanks for popping in. It is great that you took the time to come here and explain your project.
Sorry it was of little success. Of course putting a link in wikipedia on the Richard Bachman page might have helped.:evil:

Hmmmm. And again, I say.... hmmmmmm.....

(scurries away)

Mr. Rabbit Trick
01-08-2008, 03:12 PM
Thanks for popping in to explain to us George. You did a good job. Maybe King saw it and had a good laugh. :thumbsup:

jhanic
01-08-2008, 03:24 PM
Welcome, George. Please do not remain a stranger to us here!

John

midnightrambler34
01-12-2008, 08:43 AM
Very cool story...I wouldnt go as far to say it wasnt succesful, after all it made the AP news wire didnt it? Success, however small, is still success.:dance:

NeedfulKings
01-12-2008, 12:57 PM
Welcome, George. I agree that your photoshop skills are excellent and the ebay page looked totally legit to me. :D

Please stop by and tell us more of your interest in King. Obviously, the majority of us on the site are Dark Tower junkies and the few of us that are hanging around in this dark alley are collectors. ;)

Jerome, good job.