Richard Matheson

Richard Matheson (born February 20, 1926) is a U.S. author and screenwriter, typically of fantasy or science fiction. Born in New Jersey, Matheson spent World War II as an infantry soldier. In 1949 he earned his bachelor's in journalism from the University of Missouri.

He wrote a number of episodes for the American TV series The Twilight Zone, and scripted Steven Spielberg's first film, Duel. Novels include The Shrinking Man (filmed as The Incredible Shrinking Man), and a science-fiction vampire novel, I am Legend, which has been filmed twice, under the titles The Omega Man. and Last Man on Earth.

Additional reading:

• California Sorcery, edited by William F. Nolan and William Schafer[?]