Introduction by Greg Bear
Preface by Mark Cotta Vaz

The giant prehistoric gorilla
King Kong is one of the most recognized images in our culture. So great is the mighty
Kong’s hold on the popular imagination that his story-a gripping yarn of man versus
nature, coupled with a fantastical update of the Beauty and the Beast legend-has
been thrice made into a motion picture (most recently in 2005) and referenced endlessly
in every medium, from books to prime-time sitcoms.

Beneath King Kong’s cultural
significance, however, is a tense and surprisingly tender story. One cannot help
but be frightened by Kong’s uncontrollable fury, be saddened over the giant’s capture,
mistreatment, and exploitation by venal showmen, or sympathize with the beast’s ill-fated
affection for the down-on-her-luck starlet Ann Darrow.

This Modern Library edition
of a true colossus among adventure stories is reprinted from the original 1932 novelization
of the movie script, and includes a Preface by Mark Cotta Vaz, the preeminent biographer
of Merian C. Cooper, producer of the original 1933 classic film.