The Stand is a post-apocalyptic (Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction) horror (Horror fiction)/fantasy (Fantasy literature) novel by American (United States) author Stephen King. It demonstrates the scenario in his earlier short story, Night Surf. The novel was originally published in 1978 and was later re-released in 1990 as The Stand: The Complete & Uncut Edition; King restored some text originally cut for brevity, added and revised sections, changed the setting (Setting (fiction)) of the story from 1980 (which in turn was changed to 1985 for the original paperback release in 1980) to 1990, and updated a few pop culture references accordingly. The Stand was nominated for the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel in 1979, and was adapted into both a television miniseries (The Stand (TV miniseries)) for ABC and a graphic novel (The Stand (comics)) published by Marvel Comics.

The book is dedicated to Kings wife, Tabitha (Tabitha King): "For my wife Tabitha: This dark chest of wonders."