I Am Legend

By: Richard Matheson

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

The basis for the film starring Academy Award nominee Will Smith, I Am Legend is a classic of horror and suspense.

In I Am Legend, a terrible plague has decimated the world, and those who were unfortunate enough to survive are transformed into bloodthirsty creatures of the night. Robert Neville is the last living man on earth. Every other man, woman, and child has become a vampire, and they are all hungry for Neville’s blood. By day, he is the hunter, stalking the sleeping undead through the abandoned ruins of civilization. By night, he barricades himself in his home and prays for the dawn. How long can one man survive in a world of vampires?

Richard Matheson’s chilling tale is a white-knuckle ride into a world of darkness and terror.

©1954, 1982 by Richard Matheson (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"One of the ten all-time best novels of vampirism." ( Fangoria)
"The most clever and riveting vampire novel since Dracula." (Dean Koontz)
"I think the author who influenced me most as a writer was Richard Matheson. Books like I Am Legend were an inspiration to me." (Stephen King)

Not the I am Legend from the 2000's Movie

Any additional comments?

Overall this was a good read. The book is originally from the 50's so a bit dated in social norms and such. Entirely different from the Will Smith I Am Legend Movie (but likely very very loosely based on the idea from the book?). Overall there is alcohol use, a bit of sexual innuendo, some mod foul language, violence, etc. It is a dark subject, living in a world where most have died off, but the author does a pretty good job of adding some lighter content to leave you not feeling down from chapter to chapter. I would say worth a read!

Brilliantly written, brilliantly read!

I'd seen the movie version with Will Smith, so naturally I wanted to read the book but since my eye surgery I can't read so well so I gave the audio book a try. While it isn't exactly like the movie, it is still just as compelling and just as interesting. The movie took a lot from the book but I have to say I think I like the book just as much. Its's a different kind of story but no less interesting.

Fabulous

Where does I Am Legend rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I would have to say this is one of the best audiobooks I've heard so far.

What was one of the most memorable moments of I Am Legend?

Well, of course, the ending was the most memorable. And scenes with the dog that he tried to get to become his companion.

Which character – as performed by Robertson Dean – was your favorite?

The main character.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Never Give Up

Any additional comments?

This was a great story, a great narration, and an audio version I will never forget.....and will listen to again.

Really good story, but...

Absolutely unparalleled narration. Without exaggeration, I got *chills* more than one time listening to this masterful performance. I really enjoyed the story, but I'm not sure I would have enjoyed it half as much if not for the spectacular reading I just listened to. I'm amazed.

skip the movie

Excellent book. If you have to make a decision between this book or either of the 2 poorly made movies based on this book,then the choice is simple....skip the movies and read or listen to this book.Actually the book rates 5 stars but the narration is irritating enough for me to give the 4 star rating.In an effort to be overly dramatic the narrator at times yells into the microphone.

great book a true classic

I know at least 3 movies based on this book and all are worth watching....

great story excellent narrator

I loved this book. The story was captivating throughout and the ending was sad but satisfying. The narrator was excellent too!

The definitive recording of a horror classic

Don't trust the film adaptations. You haven't experienced this story until you have read the original. The book is a little dated, but it still feels fresh and exciting, especially with Robertson Dean's narration.

As far as Robert Neville knows, he's the last normal human in a world overrun by vampires. The pressure of that, the responsibility of that, weighs on him in very believable ways. By day he hunts them where they sleep, and by night he struggles to block out the sounds of the ones that try to get him to come out of his fortified house. It's a classic story of a man trying to find hope and purpose in a world full of monsters.

finished the book in 2 days!

great book I would recommend this book to anyone into a post apocalyptic genre. happy reading!

Top class fiction

I have listened to this story in the region of 30 times so far and I still find angles in the psychology of the main character that I had never considered before. A true masterpiece and one that would have made a much better film than the hollywood mangled version.