James Herbert: An Authorised Biography

click here for more details, find new or used items	Craig Cabell New from £3.51 Used from £1.67 Pages: 304 (Hardcover) ISBN: 1843580594 Pub: Metro Books,London Pub date: 2003-05-15 Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 282696

Reader Reviews:

The right thing at the right time. (20/20 people found this helpful)

This book isn't just about James Herbert, it's about the whole SF/Horror genre - as one genre. Herbert has been at the cutting edge of his field for many years and that is seriously showcased in this book, but so are other more obscure areas of the horror genre. This book keeps you on your toes. It is not as much a biography of James Herbert as a biography of the whole horror genre. Herbert even argues that SF and horror are one genre and both Cabell and Herbert seem to be in agreement about that.
The new short story is stunning. The best Herbert short story in print and Cabell's detail of each book is excellent for when you want a prompt of what Herbert to re-read - he must be a Herbert junkie to know so much but perhaps he and Herbert are simply just good mates, as they really get into each chapter with gusto and a no-holds-barred attitude.
I am surprised that Herbert ever agreed to do this book because it gives more of him to the public, but the good thing is: it's the right thing at the right time. It's something back to the fans who have been loyal thoughout. When does part two come out!

A work in progress (23/24 people found this helpful)

Having read the hardback counterpart to this, I was loathed to spend more money on a paperback. However, when I realised that the photo section was changed and the chapter concerning Nobody True extended - with both critique and quotes - I bought it.
In the revised Conclusion (entitled Thoughts in an XJS) Cabell explains that the book is a work in progress and adds more depth and understanding concerning his friend James Herbert by analysing the man today (Cabell speaks of discussions between he and Herbert on release of the hardback of Devil in the Dark). So not only is the book bang up-to-date, it is also a very valid revision, not a commercial trick.
Further study shows that the Collector's Guide has been revised and also the Further Reading, which I found interesting the first time round. A great deal of thought has gone into this book and it has proved to be Herbert's most popular companion work. The first, By Horror Haunted never saw paperback and added little to what fans already new about him, whilst Dark Places was Herbert exploring locations and legends and adding a couple of biographical notes.
Devil in the Dark is a true companion to Herbert's work, it is also a serious piece of literary criticism on the SF/Horror genre. Cabell is so knowledgeable on the subject, and add the odd interview segment with Herbert's inner circle (let alone generous quotes from the man himself), which presents other peoples views not just his; this clearly shows a greater awareness and must have been difficult to balance (this being an authorised work and Herbert would have had to approve everybody's observations - this adds weight to Cabell's Author's Note where he states that Herbert had to let certain observations stand). A very satisfying read, which culminates with a brilliant new short story from Herbert himself. This is a good book. I recommend it.

A Salute Worth Waiting For (2/2 people found this helpful)

After reading and thoroughly enjoying Craig Cabell's "The Krays The Image Shattered" and being a James Herbert fan, I was waiting expectantly for this book about my hero. I have not been disappointed. Craig became a friend of James's and it shows in the warm, humourous and yet very serious way the book is put together. James has opened his heart to Craig in places and proves that you do not have to be a villain (The Krays The Image Shattered)to be successful at what you are good at.
There is a lot of new material and black and white photographs and a great bibliography. A must for the Herbites like myself.

devils in the basement (2/2 people found this helpful)

Over the course ofthe last 8 years ive read all of herberts books
,ive loved most ,been bored only by one
We all know what a great writer herbert is when it comes to pace and attention to detail ,and that his books when all read take you on a wondrous journey into a fully realised world ..the only thing missing for some fans was details on the man himself.
this book while at times seems to skim fastly through jims world is still essential ,written sincerely and equally important has direct access with the man himself
Also throw in a couple of short storys/chapter castoffs and a little background to jims forthcomming novel, i would suggest any fan should read now and then look forward to "nobody true"
with a clearer picture/appreciation of how the man does his work.

The man behind the books - at last! (3/3 people found this helpful)

At last, a biography of Herbert. But wait, this book, although part biography, is also part literary criticism and part companionwork. It also includes a previously unreleased short story from Herbert, a previously cut chapter from his number one bestseller Sepulchre and his thoughts on Heaven.
Devil in the Dark is a complete study of James Herbert and essential reading for all his fans, plus more general fans of the SF and horror genre as Cabell makes many comparisons to books and movies. A really fascinating study.

Similar Products

The Secret of Crickley Hall

Nobody True

Once

Portent

The Survivor

Categories

Amazon.co.uk places this book into the following categories: