Richard Matheson’s Books

1. I Am Legend (1954) This post-apocalyptic novel is about the last living man in a world filled with vampires and has been adapted several times into film.

   2. The Shrinking Man (1956) Adapted as the film The Incredible Shrinking Man, it follows the story of a man who begins to shrink in size after exposure to a radioactive mist.

   3. A Stir of Echoes (1958) This supernatural thriller is about a man who starts experiencing disturbing visions after being hypnotized.

   4. Hell House (1971) One of the best haunted house novels, it inspired the film The Legend of Hell House. It follows a group of investigators spending time in a cursed mansion.

   5. Bid Time Return (1975) This science fiction romance, adapted as Somewhere in Time, explores time travel through self-hypnosis.

   6. What Dreams May Come (1978) A deeply emotional story about life after death, adapted into a film starring Robin Williams.

   7. The Beardless Warriors (1960) A novel based on Matheson’s experiences as a soldier during World War II.

   8. Duel (1971) A short story adapted by Steven Spielberg into a television movie, where a man is pursued by a truck on a deserted highway.

In addition to these books, Matheson wrote many influential short stories, such as Nightmare at 20,000 Feet and Button, Button, which were also adapted into television and film.

Richard Matheson (1926-2013) was an American writer and screenwriter, primarily known for his work in the genres of science fiction, horror, and fantasy. He was born on February 20, 1926, in Allendale, New Jersey, and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. From a young age, he showed an interest in writing and published his first story, "Born of Man and Woman," in 1950, which quickly put him on the science fiction radar.

Matheson is recognized for his ability to blend the everyday with the fantastic, creating atmospheres of psychological tension. His most famous novel, I Am Legend (1954), has become a cult classic, inspiring several film adaptations, including the 2007 movie starring Will Smith. In this work, Matheson combines science fiction with horror by telling the story of a man who survives a plague that turns humans into vampires.

Another notable work is The Shrinking Man (1956), which was also adapted into film as The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957). Throughout his career, Matheson wrote many screenplays for television and film, including several episodes of The Twilight Zone, such as the iconic "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet."

In addition to his novels and short stories, he wrote screenplays for films like Duel (1971), Steven Spielberg’s directorial debut, and collaborated on various horror and science fiction films.

Matheson influenced many contemporary authors, including Stephen King, who has mentioned several times that Matheson was one of his major influences. He passed away on June 23, 2013, in California, leaving an indelible legacy in fantasy and horror literature.

Brief biography of Richard Matheson:

"Richard Matheson is one of the great science fiction writers of our time. His ability to blend horror and science fiction with a deep understanding of human psychology is what sets him apart as an exceptional writer."

Rod Serling

Richard Matheson received several awards and recognitions throughout his career for his contributions to the world of literature and cinema, particularly in the genres of science fiction, horror, and fantasy. Here are some of the most notable.

1. Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement (1991)

Awarded by the Horror Writers Association, this is one of the most prestigious awards in the horror genre, recognizing Matheson’s lasting influence and impact on the genre.

2. World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement (1984)

This recognition celebrates his outstanding contribution to the fantasy genre over the course of his career.

3. Hugo Award (1958)

He received a Hugo Award nomination for his novel The Shrinking Man, one of the most influential works of his career.

4. Edgar Allan Poe Award (1970)

He won this prestigious award, given by the Mystery Writers of America, for his work on the screenplay for the film Nightmare at 20,000 Feet, based on his own short story.

5. Induction into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame (2010)

This honor highlights his legacy in the world of science fiction and recognizes his lasting impact on literature and film.

1. "The Last Flight" (1960)

A World War I pilot lands at a modern airbase and discovers he has traveled through time.

2. "A World of Difference" (1960)

A man discovers that his life is actually a film set, raising questions about reality and identity.

3. "A World of His Own" (1960)

A writer has the power to make the things he describes become real, until his own life is affected.

4. "Nick of Time" (1960)

A couple gets trapped in a small town where a fortune-telling machine seems to control their destiny. Starring William Shatner.

5. "The Invaders" (1961)

A woman living alone in a rural cabin is harassed by small extraterrestrial beings. Famous for its twist ending.

6. "Once Upon a Time" (1961)

A man from the Victorian era travels to the future using a time helmet.

7. "Little Girl Lost" (1962)

A girl disappears into a parallel dimension through a portal in her bedroom wall. This episode inspired the movie Poltergeist.

8. "Young Man's Fancy" (1962)

A newlywed couple visits the husband’s childhood home, where memories of the past seem to come to life.

9. "Mute" (1963)

A girl raised without speaking communicates telepathically, leading to emotional conflicts.

10. "Death Ship" (1963)

A space crew finds what appears to be their own ship crashed on a desolate planet, raising questions about death and fate.

11. "Steel" (1963)

In a future where human boxing is banned, a former boxer tries to revive an old robot for one last fight.

12. "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" (1963)

Starring William Shatner, this episode follows a man who sees a monster on the wing of a plane mid-flight. It’s one of the series’ most iconic episodes.

13. "Night Call" (1964)

An elderly woman begins receiving disturbing phone calls from someone who seems to be dead.

14. "Spur of the Moment" (1964)

A young woman is chased by a mysterious woman on horseback, leading her to question her future and life choices.

Notable Contributions to The Twilight Zone:

Richard Matheson played a crucial role in the popular television series The Twilight Zone, created by Rod Serling. Matheson was not only one of the most prolific writers for the show but also helped define its tone and style, which combined elements of science fiction, fantasy, and horror with deep social and psychological reflections.

Matheson wrote 16 episodes of The Twilight Zone between 1959 and 1964. His episodes are known for their blend of the mundane and the supernatural, often based on his own stories. Some of the most iconic include:

Flash Fiction Tribute to:

"The Incredible Shrinking Man" (1956)