There is a short story of his called "Beachworld" which was first published in 1972, six years before "The Stand"; it was later published as part of "Night Shift". It is a much more realistic portrayal of the world post-flu, and surprisingly far more terrifying than The Stand.

I did, however, fairly enjoy The Stand, my main criticism being that, as Voo and a few others have pointed out, it is over-long and padded out with dross. If I had been King's editor in 1978, I could have shaved several hundred pages and a dozen plot threads from that book, and believe me it would have been so much better. Also, in his novels you are somehow constantly aware of the presence of the writer (just as he always appears in the films) and he comes across as pretty smug. I'm not sure I'd enjoy drinking beer, watching the game or hanging out with this guy. I'd probably end up punching him.

That's one of the reasons I prefer his short stories. But the greatest work of his, IMHO, is "Danse Macabre". If you haven't, read it - it is non-fiction, subtitled "The Anatomy of Horror", and is a fascinating and razor-sharp study of horror - movies, novels, TV.

~ Viper ~

Im reading Pet Semamtary and my Dad told me that 'IT'  is a pretty good book as well, Oh and the Shining.