Since its initial publication in 1978, The Stand has been considered #1 New York Times bestselling author and master storyteller Stephen King's seminal masterpiece of apocalyptic fiction, with millions of copies sold and adapted twice for television. Although there are other extraor dinary works exploring the unraveling of human society, none have been as influential as this iconic novel - with generations of writers impacted by 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 fea tures remarkable, 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 clas sic bestselling novel.