The number 19

[Q'smum]

Does SK have inclinations of thinking of the number 19 as a magical or sacred number? I keep seeing it throughout all his works. I had dismissed it as coincidence since I had been in discussions with friends on the sacredness of the number 19. But then my thoughts went back to the dark tower series and how all his works previous intertwined the complete dark tower story. Is it indeed a thread craftfully woven?:dunno:

[Moderator]

It is important to him personally, but I don't think he considers it "magical" or "sacred" in the sense you are asking about if I'm understanding correctly. Quite a few events in his life have had the number 19 connected to them.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

There are no coincidences in the Stephen King multiverse, only kaincidences IMO.

You'll find the number 19 everywhere in his books, and have you read the superb essay 'On Being Nineteen'?

And welcome to the MB, and keep posting!

Long days and pleasant nights

[Q'smum]

Thanks for the welcome. I have been totally engrossed ever since I came on the board. It's nice to see a message board with an active and responsible moderator - Go Ms. Mod.
Where can I find the essay "on being 19"? I have also been told that SK comments on the number 19 in a revised version of Gunslinger. Anyone know the date on that edition? Is it in a foreward or in some added text?:smile2:

[Moderator]

"On Being Nineteen" is an essay/foreword which can be found in the first four editions of the later Penguin publications of books 1 - 4 of The Dark Tower series.

[Moderator]

Sorry, that would be the ones published from 2003 forward.

[mrkchmbrs]

Ooh, this is interesting.
I shall be getting hold of that essay as soon as I'm able to do so
Thanks for the advice Ms Mod

[TheHardcase]

I wonder if the date SK got hit by that minivan -- June 19, 1999 -- had anything to do with it? Seems to me I didn't notice the running theme of the number 19 in the DT series until Wolves of the Calla made its appearance. And that was well after the accident if memory serves.

[Moderator]

No, the 19 coincidences had been happening even before then. The accident date just added to the others.

[marew1]

June 19th is my birthdate. Sorry, that SK, had a terrible accident that day.

[tillyn]

Well if anything it keeps everyone wondering. To me 19 was a good year, that's the age limit for getting into the bars here in CA.:dizzy:

[loobylou]

april 19 here also my birthday is a chapter in duma key wich freaked me out as 19 has also occured in my life alot

[linkinjen2001]

SOME INTERSTING FACTS ABOUT THE NUMBER NINETEEN
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19_(number)

[TBlack]

I seriously thought that there were going to be 19 books in The Dark Tower Series!
The next to last book had Stephen's other works that were DT related listed in bold print....Yeah 19 of em!

[Q'smum]

I read his writing about it in the preface of Gunslinger. I am not convinced. His use of it, not only that he uses it, but when and how speaks volumes. Usually it has to do with truth or revelation that you would be better off without. For example, the Gunslinger... what is the code word - 19. Been better off without, but humans can't resist that type of temptation. I think I am going to go back through his books and note where and how each 19 reference is used. There is a trail in there buddies, and I'ma gwan foller it!

[doughboyblue]

The freakiest thing happened to me! I had just spent a fun spring break with my family, my husband and I staying in suite 319. I picked up Lisey's Story immediately after returning home, (having bought it recently and just not having a chance to sit and read) and my jaw literally dropped when Scott's hospital room was 319! So wierd!:oh:

[finalfantasyVII]

Either I'm way behind on some reading..most likely the DT series..but I always thought that SK preferred 13 ??:eyebrow::umm:

[Q'smum]

You will find a lot of references to 19 in SK's works. 13, not so much.