*** THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES TOP FIVE BESTSELLER ***Considered a seminal masterpiece of apocalyptic fiction, Stephen King's The Stand has inspired generations of fans and writers. Although there are other works exploring the unravelling of human society, none has been as influential as this iconic novel, with its dark yet ultimately hopeful vision of the end and new beginning of civilization, and its stunning array of unforgettable characters.Now for the first time, Stephen King has fully authorized a return to the harrowing world of The Stand through this original short story anthology as presented by award-winning authors and editors Christopher Golden and Brian Keene.Bringing together some of today's greatest and most visionary writers, The End of the World as We Know It features extraordinary, all-new stories set during and after the events of The Stand - brilliant, terrifying, and painfully human tales that will resonate with readers everywhere as an essential companion to the classic bestselling novel.