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Quote by Richard Matheson

“It was a fairy tale, no fooling. It was unreality becoming real. This frightened her. Because people don't care for unreality becoming real. It pricks their well-fed minds, you see, with something like a hunger pang. They prefer the logical stuffiness of expectancy. It is only at certain times that they weaken, letting imagination in. That's the time to get them. (“The Disinheritors”)”

Quote by Richard Matheson

Work

Collected Stories, Vol. 1

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Author

Richard Matheson
Richard Matheson

Richard Matheson was an American author renowned for his science fiction and horror novels. His works spanned a variety of literary genres, including novels, short stories, and television scripts. Matheson's writing career began in the mid-20th century, and he rose to prominence in the science fiction and horror literary communities. Many of his works have been adapted into films and television shows, such as 'The Night of the Living Dead' and 'The Shrinking Man'. His novel 'The Night of the Living Dead' was first published in 1962 and later adapted into the eponymous film, achieving great success. His short story collection 'The Shrinking Man' was also adapted into a film, further solidifying his reputation. more

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“Good fiction doesn’t claim to mirror reality at all. It indicts reality by providing a paradigm of shape and order and justice—the way we all know things should be—without suggesting that’s how things really are. Good fiction is the mirage that declares itself a mirage, yet compels us to faith through its beauty. Good fiction is the dream that’s too good to be true, so perfect and symmetrical that it gives itself away every time. But it doesn’t trick you into suspending your disbelief by trying to look anything like reality. Good fiction makes you acutely, painfully aware of your disbelief, and makes you believe anyway. And when it’s done well—when it’s done right—good fiction is more real than reality.”