Who were the popular authors of 80's horror novels?

One popular author was Henry James, with his work 'The Beast in the Jungle' which had a unique take on psychological horror. Stephen Vincent Benét was also well - known for 'The Devil and Daniel Webster' that combined horror and folklore. Fritz Leiber was recognized for his horror novel 'Conjure Wife' which explored witchcraft themes.

M. R. James was also quite well - known. His ghost stories were very popular during the 1920s. His tales were often set in old, English institutions like universities and churches. He had a way of building suspense slowly, and his ghosts were not always the typical, transparent apparitions. For example, in 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad', the entity that haunts the protagonist is very menacing and not fully explained, leaving a lot to the reader's imagination.

Peter Benchley is a well - known author from 1974 with his novel 'Jaws'. He was able to tap into people's primal fear of sharks. Richard Matheson, author of 'Bid Time Return' in 1974, is also a respected figure. His works often blend elements of horror, science fiction, and the human condition.

H. P. Lovecraft was also a key figure. His works like 'The Call of Cthulhu' were filled with unique horror elements. He introduced the concept of cosmic horror, where the horror comes from the vastness and incomprehensibility of the universe. His writing style and themes were quite different from the traditional horror of that time.

Mary Shelley was a famous author of 1800s horror novels. She wrote 'Frankenstein'. Bram Stoker was another, known for 'Dracula'. And Robert Louis Stevenson, who penned 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'.

Stephen King was a very notable author in the 70s horror scene. He wrote 'Carrie' during this time. William Peter Blatty with 'The Exorcist' is also well - known. Ira Levin, the author of 'Rosemary's Baby' is another one. His work was quite influential in the horror genre during the 70s.

Richard Matheson is a very well - known author in this area. His 'I Am Legend' has been highly influential. William Gibson is also popular. His 'Neuromancer' has elements that can be considered futuristic horror. M. R. Carey is also popular with 'The Girl with All the Gifts'. He has created a really interesting future - set horror story. Additionally, Cormac McCarthy with 'The Road' has made a mark in this genre as well.

H. P. Lovecraft is a well - respected author in the horror genre. His works, such as 'The Call of Cthulhu', are filled with cosmic horror. Shirley Jackson is also popular, especially for 'The Haunting of Hill House'. And Dean Koontz has written many thrilling horror novels too.

Geoffrey Chaucer can be considered one of them. His 'The Canterbury Tales' had elements that could be considered horror - like. Another was Marie de France. She wrote some tales with elements of the supernatural and horror that were popular during the medieval era.

Raymond Chandler was a very popular one. His works, like 'The Big Sleep', are considered classics. His detective characters were complex and his writing was stylish.