J. N. Williamson

This is the last book in the acclaimed Masques series, edited by Jerry Williamson. Before Williamson fell ill he assembled 90% of the contents. Gary Braunbeck is co-editing Masques V. A number of authors have provided stories as a tribute to Jerry, including Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson, Ray Garton, Poppy Z. Brite, Jack Ketchum, Richard Christian Matheson, William Nolan, Tom Monteleone, Gary Braunbeck and Barry Hoffman. Clive Barker is providing the cover art (and signing all editions), along with a fronticepiece for the Lettered edition only (which must be ordered through Gauntlet Press directly).

The Lettered edition has a second, alternate version of Ray Bradbury's story, along with a hand written note telling the origin of the story. Richard Christian Matheson also provides three early drafts of his story with handwritten corrections. Matheson and Bradbury are signing only the Lettered edition, and Jerry Williamson signed both the Numbered and the Lettered before he passed away.

Masques V was a labor of love for Jerry Williamson, who died on December 8th, 2005. As his health began to fail him, he was overwhelmed by well-known authors who without hesitation submitted stories as a tribute to Jerry. In a note to those whose work will appear in Masques V co-editor Gary Braunbeck stated, "I think this will serve as a fine testament to Jerry's memory."