R.I.P. Richard Matheson

Oh man. That really sucks.

Oh, my. I didn't know.

RIP.

"Born of Man and Woman" and "Dress of White Silk" were wonderful horror shorts.

So long, Mr. Matheson, and thanks for everything.

AnneMarble said:

Oh man. That really sucks.

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Not really.

None of us lives forever. He was 87, and left behind an amazing legacy of novels and stories, and influenced countless writers in a very positive way.

One of the true greats of a generation that have almost all passed now.

http://io9.com/r-i-p-richard-matheson-author-of-i-am-legend-and-many-564036878

First Bradbury, now Matheson. Has it even been a year yet?

Thanks for the stories. What a legacy.

I haven't read any of Matheson's published works except his very good World War II novel, The Beardless Warriors.

But I recently learned that he also wrote one of the all-time great "Twilight Zone" episodes: "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet". Yep, that's the one with William Shatner...and an airplane...and a...(no spoilers).

williemeikle said:

And Ray Harryhausen, James Herbert, Basil Cooper, Rick Hautala and Ian Banks all this year too.

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I was actually thinking of authors I'm specifically a fan of, but yeah, it's been a rough time.

RIP Mr. Matheson

There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call "The Twilight Zone".

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- Rod Serling

ETA: Shrinking man vs giant spider not-withstanding, my favorite Matheson and most memorable TZ episode is the little girl lost in the wall of her bedroom and her dog saves her. I'll remember this dude for awhile!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnGB6-rq1fA&feature=endscreen&NR=1

Vito said:

But I recently learned that he also wrote one of the all-time great "Twilight Zone" episodes: "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet". Yep, that's the one with William Shatner...and an airplane...and a...(no spoilers).

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(for a smile at least: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLTqY7tMzFE)

I had to read "Born of Man & Woman" for college. What a talent.

RedRajah said:

I had to read "Born of Man & Woman" for college. What a talent.

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And what a college. Colleges are not always receptive to genre.

He is the author of so many things I've loved. Matheson, not the guy with the discman.

RIP, Good sir.

rugcat said:

And what a college. Colleges are not always receptive to genre.

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It was a class specifically on Science Fiction. I was thrilled when it was offered (Hofstra '97). The first sentence of "Born of Man & Woman" has always stuck with me...

Really fine writer, and proof that great writing transcends genre. Anyone who has seen the movie version of I Am Legend, I first recommend some minor degree of counseling, after which you should read the novel.

. . . although it's possible you might need the counseling after reading the novel.

caw

Now he is with the legends.

Had a full life, wrote a number of wonderful stories, and helped fuel the imaginations of countless writers. RIP.

He was a man of many interests, moving from pulpcore adventures to psychological haunted house horrors to transendentalist love stories.

He outlived some of the legends of the generation after him, who were inspired as youths, reading his books. As did Bradbury. May we all live to such age and stature.

Loved 'I am Legend'. RIP.

One of the greats. Total pro.

His 1954 novel "I Am Legend" is seminal, and the root of every zombie movie made since 1968. (I'm pretty sure George Romero was heavily influenced by the 1964 Vincent Price movie "The Last Man on Earth", a fairly faithful adaptation of "I Am Legend".)

Also, of course, just a great storyteller. Lots of sharp, impactful short stories, well-crafted novels, and some of the best tv movies and episodes. (Including one of my favorites, 1972's "The Night Stalker".)