Henri Richard Bessière (1927- ) wrote almost 100 novels for Anticipation, the science fiction imprint of Editions Fleuve Noir between 1951 and 1985. Bessière's father was a friend and writing partner of François Richard,the editor of the imprint. When Anticipation started, the novels written by Henri Bessière, edited by his father and François Richard, were released under the name "F. Richard-Bessière". After his father's death, Henri Bessière asked that the books be released under his own name, but the publishers did not want to risk losing the benefits of a valuable "house name". A compromise was reached and, starting in 1965, the books were signed "Richard-Bessière" hyphenated. Eventually, they were reprinted under the name "Richard Bessière". Bessière's first science fiction series featured a band of Earthmen who explore the Solar System, helping friendly aliens and thwarting evil tyrants. The novels, originally written in the mid-1940s, owed more to Le Faure & de Graffigny than to post-World War II science fiction. These somewhat naïve adventures embodied the transition between the French science fiction of the 1920s and 30s, and that of the 50s and 60s, influenced by American authors. Bessière's most popular series featured the comedic adventures of American journalist Sydney Gordon. A recurring opponent of Gordon was the Machine From Beyond, a giant, intelligent, extra-dimensional computer with god-like powers introduced. Bessière made his mark through a number of novels that featured an original blend of horror and science fiction including Les Sept Anneaux de Rhéa [The Seven Rings Of Rhea] (1962), Les Jardins de l'Apocalypse [The Gardens Of The Apocalypse] (1963), Cette Lueur Qui Venait Des Ténèbres [That Light Which Came From The Dark] (1967), Les Marteaux de Vulcain [The Hammers Of Vulcan] (1969) and Le Vaisseau de l'Ailleurs [The Ship From Beyond] (1972). novels: The Gardens of the Apocalypse (+ The Seven Rings of Rhea) (2010)