I Am Legend

6b Richard Matheson. New York: Gold Medal Books, 1954 RARE, First edition paperback

Notes

I Am Legend, published in 1954 by Richard Matheson, is a groundbreaking post-apocalyptic novel that blends horror, science fiction, and psychological thriller. The story follows Robert Neville, seemingly the last human survivor in a world overrun by a vampire-like plague, as he struggles to survive, understand the disease, and cope with profound isolation. Matheson explores themes of loneliness, the nature of monstrosity, and the relativity of “normal” in a radically transformed society, creating a narrative that is both suspenseful and philosophically resonant. The novel’s influence has been enormous, inspiring numerous film adaptations, including The Last Man on Earth (1964), The Omega Man (1971), and I Am Legend (2007), and it is widely credited with shaping modern zombie and post-apocalyptic storytelling.

Description

1954 paperback first edition, excellent condition, slight bend in lower front cover.