In this novel, a plane crashes on an uncharted island, stranding a group of schoolboys. At first, with no adult supervision, their freedom is something to celebrate. This far from civilization they can do anything they want. Anything. But as order collapses, as strange howls echo in the night, as terror begins its reign, the hope of adventure seems as far removed from reality as the hope of being rescued, and these schoolboys marooned on this tropical island revert to primitive savagery.

Originally published: London : Faber and Faber Ltd., 1954. This paperback edition includes an introduction by author Stephen King written in November 2011.

The sound of the shell -- Fire on the mountain -- Huts on the beach -- Painted faces and long hair -- Beast from water -- Beast from air -- Shadows and tall trees -- Gift for the darkness -- A view to a death -- The shell and the glasses -- Castle rock -- Cry of the hunters.