Written by: Liam O'Sullivan

James Herbert, the renowned English horror writer, left an indelible mark on the literary world with his spine-tingling tales of terror and suspense. With over 54 million copies sold worldwide, and translations in 34 languages, Herbert's works continue to haunt readers to this day.

Born on April 8, 1943, in London, Herbert grew up in a humble household, with his father working as a stallholder at Brick Lane Market. He attended Catholic schools, including Our Lady of the Assumption and St Aloysius Grammar School, before pursuing a career in art at Hornsey College of Art.

Herbert's early career in advertising laid the foundation for his writing skills, and he soon became an art director and group head at Charles Barker Advertising. However, it was his passion for storytelling that ultimately led him to pursue a full-time writing career.

Herbert's debut novel, The Rats, published in 1974, catapulted him to fame, selling out its initial print run of 100,000 copies in mere three weeks. The novel's success was followed by a string of bestselling horror novels, including The Fog, The Survivor, and The Spear.

In recognition of his contributions to the horror genre, Herbert was honored with the World Horror Convention Grand Master Award in 2010, presented by none other than Stephen King himself. Later that year, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Prince Charles.

Herbert's writing style was characterized by his meticulous attention to detail, vivid descriptions, and an uncanny ability to craft atmospheric tension. He drew inspiration from his surroundings, often incorporating elements of his daily life into his stories.

Herbert was known for his unique approach to writing, preferring to write his drafts in longhand on jumbo pads. This laborious process allowed him to tap into his creative subconscious, resulting in richly textured and immersive narratives.

Herbert lived a private life, preferring to focus on his writing rather than courting the limelight. He was married to his wife, Eileen, and had three daughters. Despite his success, Herbert remained humble, and his passing on March 20, 2013, left the literary world in shock.

Herbert's estate, valued at £8.3 million, is a testament to his enduring legacy. His works continue to captivate readers, inspiring a new generation of horror writers and enthusiasts alike.

• The Rats (1974)
• The Fog (1975)
• The Survivor (1976)
• The Spear (1978)
• The Dark (1980)
• The Jonah (1981)

• World Horror Convention Grand Master Award (2010)
• Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE, 2010)

James Herbert's impact on the horror genre is undeniable, and his works continue to terrify and entertain readers to this day. As a master of the macabre, Herbert's legacy will forever be etched in the annals of horror literature.