Do we side with the tormented or the tormentors? The answer may seem simple but trust me it's not. By instilling some essence of humanity into the vampires, Matheson leaves us with some doubt as to where our loyalties lie and this makes it an even more satisfying read. Matheson creates some real extremes of emotion as we pity and loathe Neville in equal measure. As such, the fear factor increases rapidly as the supernatural becomes the scientifically possible. This does at times make for heavy reading as bacteria and the chemical components of garlic are explored but it does however make it seem all so much more real. In suggesting that vampires may well be a human creation, Matheson provides a new and deeper realm of exploration in a novel that could have relied on action set pieces. This would all be formulaic even for its time but Matheson advances the genre in one groundbreaking moment by allowing Neville to question the mythology and science of vampirism. Neville is flawed, his isolation has made him lacking in emotion and Matheson skilfully questions humanity's own morality by Neville's often seemingly callous actions.

Of course, Matheson tells the tale from Neville's perspective but refreshingly, he does not paint a picture of the All-American hero. It has a real 'Night of the Living Dead' feel that may even have inspired the film. This novel has a real claustrophobic feel about it as we come to know and empathise with the isolation of the stories protagonist Robert Neville. This is part of the science fiction masterworks series and it is easy to see why as it is a truly marvellous example of its genre.

Indeed readers of such authors will see King's 'The Stand', Koontz's 'Phantoms' and Herbert's '48' clearly stem from this particular novel. Matheson is an author who has inspired horror writers as King, Koontz and Herbert. 'I am Legend' by Richard Matheson is an accomplished post-apocalyptic novel made all the more impressive by the fact it was first published back in 1954. Isolated and alone in a world of vampires he continues his nightly routine of Beethoven and alcohol until daylight comes when he can search the town in safety and purge it of a just a few of his tormentors. Both he knows and they know he is probably the last human alive. 'Scared', mocks his old friend Ben Cortman. 'Come out Robert we have something to show you', the women say. Night after night, they torment and tease him. Robert Neville can hear them outside once again. It's a groundbreaking novel and a must read for any fans of the genre, despite some superficial characterisation among the minor cast.

Summary: Part of the Millennium SF Masterworks series, I Am Legend is the inspiration for many subsequent books and films.

I am legend full book