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?

[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?

[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.