35 pages • 1 hour read
Richard MathesonI Am Legend
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1954A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In I Am Legend by Richard Matheson, Robert Neville is the last human man in a post-apocalyptic world where a contagious disease causes people to behave like vampires. He fortifies his home, hunts the infected, and conducts scientific research to understand the disease. His life becomes a solitary struggle until he encounters a woman named Ruth, leading to unexpected revelations. The book depicts death by suicide, as well as mentions of suicidal ideation and sexual assault throughout the novel.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson is widely praised for its gripping narrative and innovative take on the vampire genre. Readers commend Matheson's ability to create tension and evoke emotional depth. However, some critique its pacing and character development. Overall, it remains a seminal work in horror fiction, influencing numerous adaptations and imitations.
Who Should Read I Am Legend?
A reader who enjoys I Am Legend by Richard Matheson likely appreciates gripping tales of survival and psychological horror. Fans of Stephen King's The Stand or Max Brooks' World War Z would find Matheson's post-apocalyptic world and exploration of isolation compelling and thought-provoking.