It Background

It is a horror novel, written by Stephen King, and published in 1986 by Viking Press (now Penguin Random House.) The book tells the story of a mythical creature that takes on the form of one’s worst fears, most typically a clown figure known only as Pennywise, to lure unsuspecting children to their death.

The novel revolves around a group of six children, known as The Loser’s Club, due to their outcast status for various reasons, who become plagued by sightings of Pennywise. They band together to stop him from hunting more children whilst simultaneously struggling with their own personal issues. Throughout the journey, they are tested on their loyalty and friendship to each other and endure various challenges in the quest to kill Pennywise.

The book is world-famous for the titular character, It (Pennywise), and is to date, King’s most famed work., despite receiving mixed reviews. It has been adapted in various forms, most notably the blockbuster films of 2017 and 2019, starring leading actors such as Jessica Chastain and James McAvoy.