Signed First Hardcover
I Am Legend
Publication: New York: Walker and Company, 1970. First hardcover edition.
Notes: An inscribed first hardcover edition of Matheson's classic vampire book.
First published as a Gold Medal paperback original in 1954, I Am Legend depicts the aftermath of a plague that turned most of humanity into vampire-like creatures. Matheson's adaptation of the traditionally supernatural vampire story into a medical apocalypse horror presaged countless zombie novels and movies and is frequently cited as an inspiration for George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead.
Jones and Newman cite I Am Legend as one of the 100 best horror novels, calling it "an instant classic."
Filmed as The Last Man on Earth with Vincent Price, The Omega Man with Charlton Heston, and I Am Legend with Will Smith.
This is the uncommon first hardcover edition.
[6], 122 pages.
Edition + Condition: First hardcover edition (first printing, with no statement of later printings). Top edge of white cloth boards tanned, else near fine in a very near fine dust jacket. Inscribed, "To John—Richard Matheson."
Item No: #366400
Price: $2,500