Richard Matheson
Richard Matheson: A Master of Imagination
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Richard Burton Matheson
Common Aliases: Richard Matheson
Birth and Death Dates
Born: February 20, 1926
Died: June 23, 2013
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Author, Screenwriter
Early Life and Background
Richard Matheson was born in Allendale, New Jersey, to Norwegian immigrant parents. Raised in Brooklyn, New York, Matheson developed an early interest in storytelling, a passion that would shape his future career. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1943 and served in the United States Army during World War II. After the war, Matheson pursued higher education at the University of Missouri, where he earned a degree in journalism in 1949. His early experiences and education laid the foundation for a prolific career in writing, characterized by a unique blend of science fiction, horror, and fantasy.
Major Accomplishments
Richard Matheson is celebrated for his ability to weave compelling narratives that transcend genre boundaries. His career took off with the publication of his short story "Born of Man and Woman" in 1950, which was met with critical acclaim. Matheson's work is distinguished by its psychological depth and innovative storytelling, earning him a place among the most influential writers of the 20th century. Over his lifetime, Matheson received numerous accolades, including the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement and the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement, recognizing his significant contributions to the fields of fantasy and horror.
Notable Works or Actions
Matheson's bibliography is extensive, but several works stand out for their enduring impact. His 1954 novel "I Am Legend" is a seminal piece in the vampire and post-apocalyptic genres, exploring themes of isolation and survival. The novel has been adapted into several films, including the 2007 blockbuster starring Will Smith. Another notable work, "The Shrinking Man" (1956), was adapted into the film "The Incredible Shrinking Man," showcasing Matheson's talent for blending science fiction with existential themes.
Matheson also made significant contributions to television and film. He wrote several episodes for the iconic series "The Twilight Zone," including the famous "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet," which remains a fan favorite. His screenplay for "Duel," directed by Steven Spielberg, is another testament to his skill in crafting suspenseful narratives.
Impact and Legacy
Richard Matheson's influence extends far beyond his own works. He inspired a generation of writers and filmmakers, including Stephen King, who cited Matheson as a major influence on his own writing. Matheson's ability to infuse ordinary settings with extraordinary events has left a lasting mark on the horror and science fiction genres. His works continue to be studied and adapted, reflecting their timeless appeal and relevance.
Matheson's legacy is also evident in the way he challenged and expanded the boundaries of genre fiction. By blending elements of horror, science fiction, and fantasy with psychological realism, he created stories that resonate on multiple levels, engaging readers both intellectually and emotionally.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Richard Matheson is widely quoted and remembered for his profound impact on popular culture and literature. His ability to craft stories that explore the human condition through the lens of the fantastic has made his work both memorable and influential. Quotes from his novels and screenplays often capture the tension between reality and the supernatural, reflecting his unique perspective on the world.
Matheson's work continues to be a source of inspiration for writers, filmmakers, and fans of speculative fiction. His stories, characterized by their emotional depth and imaginative scope, have left an indelible mark on the genres he helped to shape. As a master storyteller, Richard Matheson remains a revered figure, celebrated for his ability to transport readers to worlds both familiar and extraordinary.
Quotes by Richard Matheson
Richard Matheson's insights on:
To me there is nothing that goes against nature. If it seems incomprehensible, it's only because we haven't been able to understand it yet.
Even though they fought, their fighting never turned them against each other. It always ended with them embracing and kissing, smiling, laughing.
They said he used to cackle and bark in his crib after dark. They said he walked at two months and sat staring at the moon whenever it shone. Those were things that people said. His parents were always worried about him. An only child, they noticed his flaws quickly. They thought he was blind until the doctor told them it was just a vacuous stare.
Of only one thing I am certain. If the manuscript is true, all of us had better examine our lives. Carefully.
Never bear a grudge, old fellow. If a stranger starts to rile you, kill him right away. That way you get it out of your blood, so to speak, and are not poisoned.
It was a high ceilinged room with tall, large-panes windows. Apart from the doorway was the desk where book had been checked out in days when books were still being checked out. He stood there for a moment looking around the silent room, shaking his head slowly. All these books, he thought, the residue of a planet’s intellect, the scrapings of futile minds, the leftovers, the potpourri of artifacts that had no power to save men from perishing.
There was no sound but that of his shoes and the now senseless singing of birds. Once I thought they sang because everything was right with the world, Robert Neville thought. I know now I was wrong. They sing because they’re feeble minded.
Oh, they knew it was something, but it couldn’t be that – not that. That was imagination, that was superstition, there was no such thing as that. And before science had caught up with the legend, the legend had swallowed science and everything.
I felt puny and absurd, a ludicrous midget. Easy enough to talk of soul and spirit and essential worth, but not when you’re three feet tall.