James Herbert: Horror Author Dies Aged 69

Best-selling horror author James Herbert, "one of the giants of popular fiction", has died aged 69.

London-born Mr Herbert, whose first horror classic The Rats became a best seller, passed away peacefully in bed at his home in Sussex, his publisher Pan Macmillan said.

Jeremy Trevathan, his editor for 10 years, and a Macmillan publisher, said: "Jim Herbert was one of the keystone authors in a genre that had its heyday in the 1970s and 1980s.

"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.

"He has the rare distinction that his novels were considered classics of the genre within his lifetime. His death marks the passing of one of the giants of popular fiction in the 20th century."

Mr Herbert, who received an OBE in 2010, was the third son of street traders. His family lived at the back of Petticoat Lane in Whitechapel in an area damaged by World War Two bombs.

The rat-infested location inspired The Rats which sees London overrun by mutant, flesh-eating rodents.

At its publication in 1974, the first printing of 100,000 copies sold out in three weeks.

He had previously worked in advertising after studying graphic design, print and photography at Hornsey College of Art.

The success of The Rats lead to many more titles including The Fog, The Dark and The Survivor and eventual book sales of 50 million worldwide.

Several titles were made into films and his ghost story The Secret Of Crickley Hall, starring Suranne Jones and Tom Ellis, was serialised on BBC1 in December.

His 23rd novel, Ash, was published last week.

He is survived by his wife Eileen, whom he married in 1967, and their three daughters Kerry, Emma and Casey.