Richard Matheson was een meester in het genreliteraire werk, wiens verhalen vaak de donkere kanten van de menselijke psyche en maatschappij verkennen. Zijn verhalen en romans, die vaak elementen van sciencefiction, horror en fantasy vermengen, staan bekend om hun onverwachte wendingen en diepe inzichten in de dilemma's van gewone mensen in ongewone situaties. Matheson wisselde zijn stijl meesterlijk af, van sober en indringend tot satirisch overdreven, om verhalen vol paranoia, morele strijd en verontrustende bovennatuurlijke elementen te creëren die de basis vormden voor talloze iconische films en televisieseries.
The narrative unveils the true story of Marshall Clay Halser, a Civil War veteran celebrated as the "Hero of the Plains." Through his private journals, readers discover a more complex and intriguing account of his daring exploits in the Wild West, challenging the tall tales that have surrounded his legacy. This exploration of his life offers a deeper understanding of his character and the realities of his adventures.
"The first career retrospective of terrifying stories by "one of the greatest writers of the 20th century" (Ray Bradbury), edited by award-winning author Victor LaValle. Among the greats of 20th-century horror and fantasy, few names stand above Richard Matheson. Though known by many for novels like I Am Legend and his sixteen Twilight Zone episodes, Matheson truly shines in his chilling, masterful short stories. Since his first story appeared in 1950, virtually every major writer of science fiction, horror, and fantasy has fallen under his influence, including Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Peter Straub, and Joe Hill, as well as filmmakers like Stephen Spielberg and J.J. Abrams. Matheson revolutionized horror by taking it out of Gothic castles and strange cosmos and setting it in the darkened streets and suburbs we recognize as our own. He infused tales of the fantastic and supernormal with dark explorations of human nature, delving deep into the universal dread of feeling alone and threatened in a dangerous world. The Best of Richard Matheson brings together his greatest hits as chosen by Victor LaValle, an expert on horror fiction and one of its brightest talents, marking the first major overview of Matheson's legendary career. "[Matheson is] the author who influenced me most as a writer."--Stephen King "Richard Matheson's ironic and iconic imagination created seminal science-fiction stories. For me, he is in the same category as Bradbury and Asimov."--Steven Spielberg "He was a giant, and YOU KNOW HIS STORIES, even if you think you don't."--Neil Gaiman"-- Provided by publisher
Adapted from Richard Matheson's gripping short story, this film marks Stephen Spielberg's directorial debut, presenting a suspenseful tale of a man pursued by a relentless truck driver. The tension escalates as the protagonist finds himself in a high-stakes game of survival on the open road, showcasing themes of fear and the struggle against an unseen adversary. The film is noted for its ability to evoke anxiety and dread, setting the stage for Spielberg's future successes in the thriller genre.
The collection features a selection of stories chosen by Richard Matheson, showcasing his influential style in horror literature. Renowned for his bestselling works, Matheson’s choices highlight the themes of fear and suspense, capturing the essence of what makes his writing impactful. Each story contributes to the legacy of a master storyteller, offering readers a chilling experience that reflects the depth of his creativity and imagination.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, a group of young and inexperienced soldiers navigates the chaos of combat. Inspired by Richard Matheson's own experiences as a replacement in the 87th Division, the narrative explores the challenges and emotional struggles faced by these beardless warriors. Through their journey, the novel delves into themes of courage, fear, and the harsh realities of war, providing a poignant reflection on youth and the loss of innocence amidst conflict.
Robert Neville is the last living man on Earth... but he is not alone. Every other man, woman and child on the planet has succumbed to the vampire plague, and they are hungry for Neville's blood.By day he is the hunter, stalking the undead through the ruins of civilisation. By night, he barricades himself in his home and prays for the dawn.How long can one man survive like this?
The New York Times bestseller A LOVE THAT TRANSCENDS HEAVEN AND HELL What happens to us after we die? Chris Nielsen had no idea, until an unexpected accident cut his life short, separating him from his beloved wife, Annie. Now Chris must discover the true nature of life after death. But even Heaven is not complete without Annie, and when tragedy threatens to divide them forever, Chris risks his very soul to save Annie from an eternity of despair. Richard Matheson's powerful tale of life---and love---after death was the basis for the Oscar-winning film starring Robin Williams.
This collection features the thrilling tales of two iconic gunfighters, showcasing their legendary exploits and confrontations in the Wild West. Readers will be immersed in action-packed narratives that highlight the grit, determination, and complexities of these formidable characters as they navigate a dangerous and lawless frontier. Each story delves into their motivations and the challenges they face, making for an engaging exploration of heroism and rivalry in a rugged landscape.
This eerie ghost story, from Richard Matheson, the award-winning author of Hell House and I Am Legend, inspired the acclaimed 1999 film starring Kevin Bacon. Tom Wallace lived an ordinary life, until a chance event awakened psychic abilities he never knew he possessed. Now he's hearing the private thoughts of the people around him-and learning shocking secrets he never wanted to know. But as Tom's existence becomes a waking nightmare, even greater jolts are in store as he becomes the unwilling recipient of a compelling message from beyond the grave!
Like What Dreams May Come, which inspired the upcoming movie starring Robin Williams, Somewhere in Time is the powerful story of a love that transcends time and space, written by one of the Grand Masters of modern fantasy. Matheson's classic novel tells the moving, romantic story of a modern man whose love for a woman he has never met draws him back in time to a luxury hotel in San Diego in 1896, where he finds his soul mate in the form of a celebrated actress of the previous century. Somewhere in Time won the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel, and the 1979 movie version, starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour, remains a cult classic whose fans continue to hold yearly conventions to this day.