attention BIG stephen king fans

[but'n'ben]

OK, if you're a semi Stephen King fan, chances are you won't know the answer to this question, but for the fanatics like me, can anyone answer me this. (not a quiz question, btw, I do need to know the answer)

In King's Nightshift collection, there is a short story called Strawberry springs. Can anyone tell me who Springheel Jack is based on? I ask because King usually makes it clear when he uses someone else's idea for his stories. In 'Salem's Lot, he spoke a lot about Stoker and how he was influenced by him.

The story of Springheeled Jack has been around for a long time and I was wondering if he acknowledges that he is not the creator of that myth.

 

[HappyMomof4]

I read that book like 15 years ago. It sounds familiar. I'll have to dig the book up and look at it.

What is the story of Springheeled Jack?

 

[but'n'ben]

Basically he (supposedly) existed in London in the Victorian era. He had the power to generate flames in his stomach and attacked several yung women and murdered a prostitute. He was able to leap very high without the means of any visible aids. When the polise tried to catch him he could easily leap over houses to escape. There is a lot about him on the internet but I read about him in my world atlas of the unexplained.

Theories as to who he is are varied. Some say he was a man named Waterford (I think) because Jack lost his cloak while being chased on time and the police found a large gold W inside. But Waterford died and jack continued to appear. Some say he was a being from outer space but mostly people just don't know.

King usually credits other people's ideas or other legends he's used as inspiration. But I don't know if he invented Spring heeled jack and the world atals stole the idea, or if if Stephen King stole the idea.

 

[but'n'ben]

Tried to include a link but it's not working. type springheeled jack into google...there are lots of information.

 

[HappyMomof4]

hmm...looking for the Night Shift book still

 

[Infernal Freak]

I am a BIG Stephen King fan...but I haven't got around to that one yet! I recently got into him...but I am A BIG fan though! Sorry...I am reading Misery right now. [By Stephen King]

-Heather

 

[but'n'ben]

Ok I must be one of a very few who noticed this...and you lot call youself fans !Anyone know how I can contact him by letter or whatever? I've been a fan for years and at last have a qorthwhile question to ask him instead of the usual "Where do you get your inspiration?"

Incidentally, Misery is a great book! Gives me the shivers when I read it! "You dirty birdie! You killed Misery!" hehe. If you haven't read it yet, I recommend Needful Things. Really didn't like Dreamcatcher though. Will have to give it another go sometime but it's the only one I've ever given up on.

 

[Infernal Freak]

Dreamcatcher has a thousand cuss words in it! I don't like that! I know, it isn't THAT great...but that is one of the only King books that is even considered not that great!



-Heather

 

[HappyMomof4]

:o Sorry :o I really am a big fan but I don't remember that story. Seriously I have read almost all (except maybe 8) of his books. Dreamcatcher was not so hot, I agree. Neither was Tommyknockers.