James-Herbert-Obituary

James Herbert

Obituary

LONDON (AP) - He was a "Grand Master" of horror and rats were one of his specialties.

British horror writer James Herbert, whose best-selling spine-tinglers included "The Rats" and "The Fog," has died at age 69.

Herbert's publisher, Pan Macmillan, said he died Wednesday at his home in Sussex, southern England. It did not disclose the cause.

The London-born Herbert studied graphic design, print and photography before finding work at an advertising agency.

His first novel, "The Rats" - which depicted London being overrun by mutant flesh-eating rodents - took 10 months to complete and was published in 1974. It sold 100,000 copies in three weeks and was later turned into a film.

He went on to write 23 novels, selling 54 million copies around the world.

Most recent bestsellers included "Nobody True" and "The Secret of Crickley Hall," which was turned into a three-part series for BBC television that aired in December.

Jerem y Trevathan, Herbert's editor for ten years at Macmillan, said Herbert had the "rare distinction" of seeing his novels deemed classics of the horror genre within his lifetime.

"It's a true testament to his writing and his enduring creativity that his books continued to be huge bestsellers right up until his death," Trevathan said in a statement. "His death marks the passing of one of the giants of popular fiction in the 20th century."

Herbert was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, or OBE, by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010 - the same year he was named "Grand Master of Horror" by the World of Horror Convention.

He is survived by his wife Eileen and three daughters.


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The the Herbert family I extend my deepest condolences. May God comfort you and supply you with the strength you need as you mourn the loss of your loved one. Psalms 28:7.

I was a penpal with him in the 70s and 80s. We both wrote and both sang in bands. I used to check stores in America and report where his books were while traveling in the band. I have six letters from him I've always kept from those days. The Rats made me a nervous wreck for days, and that was the only book I've ever read that did that to me. James was a story teller and will be missed by all.

James is my favourite author and always will be. He shall be missed dearly and my heart goes out to his family. Our thoughts are with you. I believe Britain has lost its greatest horror writer. R.I.P JH xxx

May the family and friends of James Herbert have peace in knowing that he is sleeping, and in God's due time he will awaken him, just as he did with Lazarus. (John chapter 11)

We hope the word that Jesus spoke at John 11:21-26 will give your family comfort.

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

The true master of the horror genre

To the Herbert family,sincere sympathy ,hopefully you will find comfort in these words"Like a man whom his own mother keeps comforting,so I myself shall keep comforting you people."isiah.66:13