Description

Published 2008

Since his classic story “Born of Man and Woman” appeared in the Summer 1950 issue of The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Richard Matheson has been one of the world’s most acclaimed and influential fantasists. He is the award-winning author and screenwriter responsible for such diverse and unforgettable works as I Am Legend, The Shrinking Man, A Stir of Echoes, The Beardless Warriors, Hell House, Duel, The Night Stalker, Trilogy of Terror, What Dreams May Come, Somewhere In Time, Journal of the Gun Years, four of Roger Corman’s Edgar Allan Poe films, and sixteen episodes of the original Twilight Zone.

The Richard Matheson Companion is a unique collection of writing by and about this prolific, multitalented storyteller, edited by Matheson experts Stanley Wiater and Matthew R. Bradley. They have assembled the work of more than two dozen contributors, much of it published for the first time, that both celebrates and sheds new light on Matheson’s extraordinary career. It contains:

• Detailed discussions of Matheson’s work by Harlan Ellison, Ed Gorman, Dean Koontz, and David Morrell.
• Appreciations by those who have been influenced or inspired by Matheson over the years, such as Dennis Etchison, Jack Ketchum, Joe R. Lansdale, Brian Lumley, producer Stephen Simon, F. Paul Wilson, and Gahan Wilson.
• Recollections by George Clayton Johnson and William F. Nolan, Matheson’s fellow members of the famed Southern California School of Writers (aka the California Sorcerers or simply “The Group”), about their personal and professional relationships.
• Extensive and revealing interviews in which Matheson recounts his career.
• Heartfelt tributes from Matheson’s wife, Ruth, and their children Bettina, Richard Christian, Chris, and Alison, three of whom are also successful writers.
• Essays by two of Matheson’s literary editors and artist Harry O. Morris, who has illustrated thirteen of his books, on working with a living legend.
• Photos of Matheson throughout his life and career, as well as reproductions of magazine and book covers and rare correspondence.
• The most complete documentation of Matheson’s work ever compiled, with comprehensive and annotated lists of his books, stories, nonfiction, films, television episodes, published and unproduced scripts, adaptations, awards, and much more.
• Special Bonus! The Years Stood Still, a never-before-seen novel Matheson wrote at the age of fourteen, with an introduction by Richard Christian Matheson.

Signing ONLY the lettered edition are Harlan Ellison, Dennis Etchison, Ed Gorman, George Clayton Johnson, Jack Ketchum, Dean Koontz, Joe R. Lansdale, Brian Lumley, Richard Christian Matheson, David Morrell, William F. Nolan, F. Paul Wilson and Gahan Wilson. Signing both editions (numbered and lettered) will be Richard Matheson and co-editors Matthew R. Bradley and Stanley Wiater.

Available to purchase for this title:

• 500-copy signed numbered edition
• Unsigned numbered edition
• 52-copy signed traycased lettered edition

“If the local villagers ever decide to make a torch and pitchfork assault on Count Gore De Vol’s haunted castle, THE RICHARD MATHESON COMPANION is going to be one of books I’ll be carrying when I flee the Tomb. This limited edition volume is the definitive collection for fans of Richard Matheson’s brilliant fiction who wish to know more about the man and his legendary career.” — Creature Feature Tomb of Horror

“THE RICHARD MATHESON COMPANION is an invaluable resource and a wonderful read, as well as being a fitting tribute to one of the world’s finest living authors and literary talents…This book is, like its subject, a true and singular treasure.” — HorrorWorld

“The editors of this book have done a superb job of gathering information…I’d recommend this book to anyone with an interest not only in Richard Matheson, but in the horror, dark fiction, and science fiction genres as well.” — Dark Scribe Magazine

“Flat-out, it’s a terrific book, and what you’re getting in ‘The Richard Matheson Companion’ is pure gold… opening the book is like sitting in a room with Matheson’s closest relations, whose attention is all yours, and saying, ‘Okay, tell me everything.’ And they do.” — Weekly Journals

“The Richard Matheson Companion could best be described as the Holy Grail of Matheson memoirs. Insightful and indispensable.” — Rue Morgue