King Death

by Nik Cohn

Eddie is a strange man with an extraordinary talent that makes him the 'performer' he is. Eddie administers Death. His subjects, he explains, are not afraid, but are thrilled and transported. To Eddie, Death is completion, and he finds fulfilment, satisfaction, and pride in each job he carries out.

When Seaton Carew, America's most successful TV entrepreneur, chances to witness Eddie in action, Eddie's career is altered. Overcoming many obstacles, he and Seaton literally ride to glory on the Deliverance Special, a train carrying King Death and his huge entourage all over America. But then a disturbing change comes over Eddie and threatens to topple him from his grisly throne...

Part nightmare, part modern fairytale, Nik Cohn has written a bizarre fable for our time. In a cool and highly original style Cohn captures its sickness and horror yet stays true to its grandeur and allure.

Genres: Fiction

125 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

Cohn is considered by some critics to be a father of rock criticism, thanks to his time on The Observer's early rock column entitled The Brief and his first major book Awopbopaloobop Alopbamboom, first published in 1969. Cohn has since published articles, novels and music books regularly.

Reviews

[Dollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely different and, although it was a coruscating comment on American society and culture, it rang true for me all the way through. This book is about branding, ratings, popularity, and how much your image can sell – even if you’re a killer and what you’re dealing is death. All one needs is a good agent. The killer, or performer in this story, is Eddie, a man who delivers death with all the respect and reverence she deserves. His agent, the man who learns how to take advantage of Eddie’s talent, is Seaton. Theirs is a very lucrative relationship through good times and bad. Seaton had a dream and brought it all to life via Eddie, whether Eddie liked it or not. I thought this was a very good story. Although it’s fictional, it made me feel like it could happen here in the USA. There's even some of it happening now, with lots of Americans adoring someone to the point of worship, like a cult, even though he would throw them under the bus in the blink of an eye. No cults for me, (atheist). I’ve never read anything like King Death and can’t really say that I enjoyed it, but I did find it interesting, well-written, inventive, and thought-provoking.

[Amboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book defines the modern world. a must read, and if you don't get it, god help you...