The Fog was published by New English Library in 1975. An earthquake in rural Wiltshire cracks open an underground chamber, releasing a yellowish fog that is actually a weaponized mycoplasma developed in secret by the government. Anyone exposed to the fog is driven to extreme behavior — mass suicide, sexual violence, homicidal rage — and as the fog drifts across England, society disintegrates.
The novel’s most memorable set-pieces — a mass suicide at Beachy Head, a schoolteacher who leads his class into the sea — were designed to shock, and they succeeded. Herbert pushed the boundaries of what mainstream horror fiction could depict, and in doing so helped create the modern horror-thriller genre.
Not the John Carpenter Film
Herbert’s The Fog (1975) is entirely unrelated to John Carpenter’s 1980 film The Fog — a point of frequent confusion. Herbert’s fog is a weaponised biological agent; Carpenter’s is a supernatural phenomenon involving ghostly lepers. The coincidence of titles has caused bibliographic confusion for decades.
Collecting The Fog
First edition (New English Library, London, 1975): Paperback original.
Approximate market values:
- First edition paperback, fine: $40–$100
- First hardcover edition: $100–$300
Projected values (2026–2036): Moderate appreciation. Early Herbert paperback originals are increasingly scarce in collectible condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this related to the John Carpenter film The Fog? No. Herbert’s The Fog (1975) predates the Carpenter film (1980) by five years and is entirely unrelated. Herbert’s fog is a chemical weapon accidentally released from underground, not a supernatural sea mist. The coincidence of titles has confused readers for decades.