James Herbert was a highly successful and acclaimed author from England, best known for his horror and dark fantasy novels. He was born on April 8, 1943, in London and passed away on March 20, 2013. Herbert began his professional career in the arts department of a small advertising agency, but his passion for writing led him to become one of England's most popular and influential novelists.
Herbert's books have sold over 54 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 34 foreign languages, including Russian and Chinese. His novels, which include the Rats series and the David Ash series, have been widely imitated and have had a significant impact on the horror and thriller fiction genres. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by the British government in recognition of his contributions to literature.
In addition to his writing, Herbert also designed his own book covers and publicity, showcasing his skills as an artist and his deep involvement in the creation and promotion of his work. He was a master of his craft, blending horror and thriller elements to create powerful and chilling stories that have captivated readers for decades. His novels, such as "The Fog," "The Dark," and "The Survivor," are considered classics of the genre, and his later works, including "The Magic Cottage," "Haunted," "Sepulchre," and "Creed," further established his reputation as a writer of depth and originality. Stephen King, a prominent figure in horror literature, presented Herbert with the World Horror Convention Grand Master Award, honoring his significant contributions to the genre.