The Shining is a renowned horror novel written by Stephen King, published in 1977. It tells the story of Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic, who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel. As the winter progresses, Jack's mental state deteriorates, influenced by supernatural forces and the hotel's dark history. Accompanied by his wife Wendy and their young son Danny, who possesses psychic abilities known as 'the shining,' the family faces terrifying events that threaten their lives. The novel explores themes of isolation, madness, and the impact of addiction, making it a classic in the horror genre.