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I Am Legend / Hell House
I Am Legend tells the story of Robert Neville, the last living man on earth after every other human being has been transformed into a vampire by a terrible plague ... and now they are all thirsty for his blood. Following this short novel are ten more unforgettable tales.
The New York Times called Hell House "a fine horror story". The hell house in question, Belasco house, is a place regarded as the Mount Everest of haunted houses due to the almost unimaginable horror and depravity that one occurred there. But a new investigation brings to the mansion four strangers who are determined to uncover the ultimate secrets of life and death. Can any soul survive the evil that lurks in the most haunted place on earth?
The New York Times called Hell House "a fine horror story". The hell house in question, Belasco house, is a place regarded as the Mount Everest of haunted houses due to the almost unimaginable horror and depravity that one occurred there. But a new investigation brings to the mansion four strangers who are determined to uncover the ultimate secrets of life and death. Can any soul survive the evil that lurks in the most haunted place on earth?
618 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2006
14 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Richard Matheson
760 books4,774 followersBorn in Allendale, New Jersey to Norwegian immigrant parents, Matheson was raised in Brooklyn and graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1943. He then entered the military and spent World War II as an infantry soldier. In 1949 he earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and moved to California in 1951. He married in 1952 and has four children, three of whom (Chris, Richard Christian, and Ali Matheson) are writers of fiction and screenplays.
His first short story, "Born of Man and Woman," appeared in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction in 1950. The tale of a monstrous child chained in its parents' cellar, it was told in the first person as the creature's diary (in poignantly non-idiomatic English) and immediately made Matheson famous. Between 1950 and 1971, Matheson produced dozens of stories, frequently blending elements of the science fiction, horror and fantasy genres.
Several of his stories, like "Third from the Sun" (1950), "Deadline" (1959) and "Button, Button" (1970) are simple sketches with twist endings; others, like "Trespass" (1953), "Being" (1954) and "Mute" (1962) explore their characters' dilemmas over twenty or thirty pages. Some tales, such as "The Funeral" (1955) and "The Doll that Does Everything" (1954) incorporate zany satirical humour at the expense of genre clichés, and are written in an hysterically overblown prose very different from Matheson's usual pared-down style. Others, like "The Test" (1954) and "Steel" (1956), portray the moral and physical struggles of ordinary people, rather than the then nearly ubiquitous scientists and superheroes, in situations which are at once futuristic and everyday. Still others, such as "Mad House" (1953), "The Curious Child" (1954) and perhaps most famously, "Duel" (1971) are tales of paranoia, in which the everyday environment of the present day becomes inexplicably alien or threatening.
He wrote a number of episodes for the American TV series The Twilight Zone, including "Steel," mentioned above and the famous "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet"; adapted the works of Edgar Allan Poe for Roger Corman and Dennis Wheatley's The Devil Rides Out for Hammer Films; and scripted Steven Spielberg's first feature, the TV movie Duel, from his own short story. He also contributed a number of scripts to the Warner Brothers western series "The Lawman" between 1958 and 1962. In 1973, Matheson earned an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for his teleplay for The Night Stalker, one of two TV movies written by Matheson that preceded the series Kolchak: The Night Stalker. Matheson also wrote the screenplay for Fanatic (US title: Die! Die! My Darling!) starring Talullah Bankhead and Stefanie Powers.
Novels include The Shrinking Man (filmed as The Incredible Shrinking Man, again from Matheson's own screenplay), and a science fiction vampire novel, I Am Legend, which has been filmed three times under the titles The Omega Man and The Last Man on Earth and once under the original title. Other Matheson novels turned into notable films include What Dreams May Come, Stir of Echoes, Bid Time Return (as Somewhere in Time), and Hell House (as The Legend of Hell House) and the aforementioned Duel, the last three adapted and scripted by Matheson himself. Three of his short stories were filmed together as Trilogy of Terror, including "Prey" with its famous Zuni warrior doll.
In 1960, Matheson published The Beardless Warriors, a nonfantastic, autobiographical novel about teenage American soldiers in World War II.
He died at his home on June 23, 2013, at the age of 87
http://us.macmillan.com/author/richar...
His first short story, "Born of Man and Woman," appeared in the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction in 1950. The tale of a monstrous child chained in its parents' cellar, it was told in the first person as the creature's diary (in poignantly non-idiomatic English) and immediately made Matheson famous. Between 1950 and 1971, Matheson produced dozens of stories, frequently blending elements of the science fiction, horror and fantasy genres.
Several of his stories, like "Third from the Sun" (1950), "Deadline" (1959) and "Button, Button" (1970) are simple sketches with twist endings; others, like "Trespass" (1953), "Being" (1954) and "Mute" (1962) explore their characters' dilemmas over twenty or thirty pages. Some tales, such as "The Funeral" (1955) and "The Doll that Does Everything" (1954) incorporate zany satirical humour at the expense of genre clichés, and are written in an hysterically overblown prose very different from Matheson's usual pared-down style. Others, like "The Test" (1954) and "Steel" (1956), portray the moral and physical struggles of ordinary people, rather than the then nearly ubiquitous scientists and superheroes, in situations which are at once futuristic and everyday. Still others, such as "Mad House" (1953), "The Curious Child" (1954) and perhaps most famously, "Duel" (1971) are tales of paranoia, in which the everyday environment of the present day becomes inexplicably alien or threatening.
He wrote a number of episodes for the American TV series The Twilight Zone, including "Steel," mentioned above and the famous "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet"; adapted the works of Edgar Allan Poe for Roger Corman and Dennis Wheatley's The Devil Rides Out for Hammer Films; and scripted Steven Spielberg's first feature, the TV movie Duel, from his own short story. He also contributed a number of scripts to the Warner Brothers western series "The Lawman" between 1958 and 1962. In 1973, Matheson earned an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for his teleplay for The Night Stalker, one of two TV movies written by Matheson that preceded the series Kolchak: The Night Stalker. Matheson also wrote the screenplay for Fanatic (US title: Die! Die! My Darling!) starring Talullah Bankhead and Stefanie Powers.
Novels include The Shrinking Man (filmed as The Incredible Shrinking Man, again from Matheson's own screenplay), and a science fiction vampire novel, I Am Legend, which has been filmed three times under the titles The Omega Man and The Last Man on Earth and once under the original title. Other Matheson novels turned into notable films include What Dreams May Come, Stir of Echoes, Bid Time Return (as Somewhere in Time), and Hell House (as The Legend of Hell House) and the aforementioned Duel, the last three adapted and scripted by Matheson himself. Three of his short stories were filmed together as Trilogy of Terror, including "Prey" with its famous Zuni warrior doll.
In 1960, Matheson published The Beardless Warriors, a nonfantastic, autobiographical novel about teenage American soldiers in World War II.
He died at his home on June 23, 2013, at the age of 87
http://us.macmillan.com/author/richar...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 6, 2021
I Am Legend - 4* Stars
I first heard the name 'Richard Matheson' just before William Shatner screamed at a clone of Captain Kirk. Or was it just before William Shatner screamed at a gremlin on the wing of a plane? Am I a fan of Richard Matheson, or am I a fan of Shatner screaming at people? There is room for debate.
Richard Matheson tends to be known for his screenwriting more than his novels, but after reading 'I Am Legend', I'm thoroughly convinced that the man can do no wrong.
In case you've only seen the Will Smith movie of the same name, the book is about Vampires, not Zombies. The author cleverly allows his main character to research and develop scientific theories for why these creatures exist, and how they may have been present in the past. But at the heart of the story is a man dealing with loneliness in a world where he himself might be more dangerous than the beasts that pursue him.
Terrific story, great ending. I would pay handsomely to see a 90-year-old Shatner screaming at vampires.
I first heard the name 'Richard Matheson' just before William Shatner screamed at a clone of Captain Kirk. Or was it just before William Shatner screamed at a gremlin on the wing of a plane? Am I a fan of Richard Matheson, or am I a fan of Shatner screaming at people? There is room for debate.
Richard Matheson tends to be known for his screenwriting more than his novels, but after reading 'I Am Legend', I'm thoroughly convinced that the man can do no wrong.
In case you've only seen the Will Smith movie of the same name, the book is about Vampires, not Zombies. The author cleverly allows his main character to research and develop scientific theories for why these creatures exist, and how they may have been present in the past. But at the heart of the story is a man dealing with loneliness in a world where he himself might be more dangerous than the beasts that pursue him.
Terrific story, great ending. I would pay handsomely to see a 90-year-old Shatner screaming at vampires.
October 22, 2019
"I Am Legend"--Kind of a disappointment for me.
It started wonderfully--the first 18 pages built up a steady anticipation. But the vampires were scarier unseen. As the story began moving it lost its power, went into different directions, weakening what would have been better as a tighter storyline. Needless to say, I simply didn't agree with Matheson's take on this and it kept diminishing in intensity for me. I was dissatisfied at the end which was not his intended effect.
"Hell House"--Enter at your own risk!
This has an effect (with a slow building intensity) of actually making you feel as if you have entered the haunted house yourself. But even as you get to the point where you are wondering "Why don't these people leave this house NOW?" you already know it's the same reason you keep turning the pages: they are hooked. Matheson conjures the meaning of evil with absolutely terrifying aspects. It is extremely offensive, with grotesque sexuality. Black Magick aspects to the extreme. I don't normally read the horror genre, but when I do I need to cleanse myself with Holy Water after. I don't know if I should say this was horrible or great! But there is meaning: Florence and Dr. Barrett offer two distinct point of views, it sets up an intellectual discussion of the house in the reader's mind. Barrett, the man of Science; Florence, the empath who won't/can't protect herself.This may appear outdated but I feel it is still valid with a modernizing of terminology. There is also a sub plot of sexual repression that's really important to the story as well, but I must emphasize some of the sexual themes/religious blasphemy could upset many people, it's THAT disturbing.
It started wonderfully--the first 18 pages built up a steady anticipation. But the vampires were scarier unseen. As the story began moving it lost its power, went into different directions, weakening what would have been better as a tighter storyline. Needless to say, I simply didn't agree with Matheson's take on this and it kept diminishing in intensity for me. I was dissatisfied at the end which was not his intended effect.
"Hell House"--Enter at your own risk!
This has an effect (with a slow building intensity) of actually making you feel as if you have entered the haunted house yourself. But even as you get to the point where you are wondering "Why don't these people leave this house NOW?" you already know it's the same reason you keep turning the pages: they are hooked. Matheson conjures the meaning of evil with absolutely terrifying aspects. It is extremely offensive, with grotesque sexuality. Black Magick aspects to the extreme. I don't normally read the horror genre, but when I do I need to cleanse myself with Holy Water after. I don't know if I should say this was horrible or great! But there is meaning: Florence and Dr. Barrett offer two distinct point of views, it sets up an intellectual discussion of the house in the reader's mind. Barrett, the man of Science; Florence, the empath who won't/can't protect herself.This may appear outdated but I feel it is still valid with a modernizing of terminology. There is also a sub plot of sexual repression that's really important to the story as well, but I must emphasize some of the sexual themes/religious blasphemy could upset many people, it's THAT disturbing.
March 17, 2025
I Am Legend: I was really impressed with this collection of short stories by Richard Matheson. I was drawn to the work originally for the title story (yes, after seeing the movie of the same name.) While I enjoyed the film, I was really impressed with the novella presented here. It differs a lot from the film and I won't get into details because I don't want to ruin anything, but the treatment in the story is so much better than in the film that I became a little disappointed that the film went in such a different direction. The characters that Matheson creates in the story are very easy to relate to and to get emotionally attached to. All in all, it is a very engaging and well written tale. The rest of the stories presented in the collection are pretty good as well. Some are a little on the strange side, but overall they are very enjoyable.
Hell House: Hell House was a fairly entertaining ghost story with some nice twists and turns that for the most part kept the story moving along at a pretty steady pace. There were a couple of points in the book that I found to be a bit draggy and it seemed like the story was going to end several times only to continue on in another direction. I did enjoy it for the most part, but I would like to voice a word of caution that this novel contains some very adult themes and subject matter that I personally took no offense to, but can see how some people might.
I thought that this was a nice book to read after reading the collection of short stories in I Am Legend and will definitely be looking for more by Richard Matheson in the future.
Hell House: Hell House was a fairly entertaining ghost story with some nice twists and turns that for the most part kept the story moving along at a pretty steady pace. There were a couple of points in the book that I found to be a bit draggy and it seemed like the story was going to end several times only to continue on in another direction. I did enjoy it for the most part, but I would like to voice a word of caution that this novel contains some very adult themes and subject matter that I personally took no offense to, but can see how some people might.
I thought that this was a nice book to read after reading the collection of short stories in I Am Legend and will definitely be looking for more by Richard Matheson in the future.
May 9, 2021
I picked this up because I’d never read Hell House before. It does not fuck around!
September 7, 2021
This is a book club edition. A selection of Matheson's writing over an almost forty-year period. I Am Legend is from 1954. Hell House is from 1971. The oldest story in the collection is Witch War (1951) and the most recent is Person to Person (1989). Matheson was a major influence on Stephen King and a number of other horror writers. I Am Legend is a classic, having been made into two bad movies (The Omega Man starring Charleton Heston and I Am Legend, starring Will Smith). Neither movie has much to do with the book. Hell Hose may remind the reader of Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House, but past the title and the common theme of a haunted house, the two have little in common. Jackson's story is all psychological. Matheson's in visceral. I'm not sure I can recommend Hell House, though it is a powerful story.
November 4, 2020
I read the condensed version of this that was just "I AM LEGEND". I loved the movie with Will Smith, so when I found out it was based on the book, I had to read it. The movie did a great job capturing the main and tough parts of the book. Rob Neville was a hero for a virus that changed humanity. I feel this is a little current to what is happening now because the virus in the book was a global pandemic evn though this was one a fictional virus. I can see the parallels.
Highly recommended for fans of horror and sci-fi.
Following this up by watching the movie.
Highly recommended for fans of horror and sci-fi.
Following this up by watching the movie.
October 27, 2019
Richard Matheson is STILL the best horror/suspense writer I have EVER had the pleasure to read!!!
November 29, 2020
I Am Legend was incredibly dark & haunting. The 10 short stories were creepy & fun & Hell House is the best haunted house story I've read. Definitely a solid fan of Matheson now.
May 12, 2012
I only read I Am Legend, not the short stories or Hell House.
I Am Legend is about Robert, a survivor in a post-apocalyptic world. There are zombie/vampire like things everywhere, and after a lot of trouble and near-death situations, he finally has fortified his house and set a dailty/weekly schedule to keep himself alive for a while, at least. However, he hasn't had a regular, non-mutated, living human being, or anything for that matter, around for many many months, and that's taking its toll on him. He does what he can though, and does what he can to keep his profisions up, keep his garlic crops healthy, fixing up his house, make whatever small dents he can in the vampire population, etc. Over the book he learns and figures out more and more, mainly on the vampires, who fortunately sleep in the day, and can't go outside until dusk. The book is very exciting and well written, and has many unexpected twists and turns in the story, plus a sursprise ending. This is a must read for anyone who liked the second movie or likes apocalypse/horror books.
To compare it to the movie (I Am Legend with Will Smith, not Omegaman, I haven't seen it) it's a tough call. They're very different, but I personally prefer the movie by a little.
I Am Legend is about Robert, a survivor in a post-apocalyptic world. There are zombie/vampire like things everywhere, and after a lot of trouble and near-death situations, he finally has fortified his house and set a dailty/weekly schedule to keep himself alive for a while, at least. However, he hasn't had a regular, non-mutated, living human being, or anything for that matter, around for many many months, and that's taking its toll on him. He does what he can though, and does what he can to keep his profisions up, keep his garlic crops healthy, fixing up his house, make whatever small dents he can in the vampire population, etc. Over the book he learns and figures out more and more, mainly on the vampires, who fortunately sleep in the day, and can't go outside until dusk. The book is very exciting and well written, and has many unexpected twists and turns in the story, plus a sursprise ending. This is a must read for anyone who liked the second movie or likes apocalypse/horror books.
To compare it to the movie (I Am Legend with Will Smith, not Omegaman, I haven't seen it) it's a tough call. They're very different, but I personally prefer the movie by a little.
July 10, 2013
A collection of two horror gems, and some terrific short stories as a bonus. Richard Matheson has been one of my favorite writers since I first saw his "Nightmare At 20,000 Feet" episode in the final season of "Twilight Zone."
I AM LEGEND is beautifully developed. The writer's strong suit has always been matching multi-dimensional characters with intriguing "what if?" situations, and this book truly delivers. I not only wanted to know what was going to happen to the central character, but I was continually wondering what I would do in such a fantastic situation.
HELL HOUSE is my favorite haunted house tale. The idea of putting so many variations of psychic manifestations under one roof, and then turning an investigative team loose to probe them is a delight. There were moments when an errant sound from somewhere in my house while reading literally jolted me out of my chair. The ultimate revelation is both satisfying and in keeping with the events that occurred before.
If someone is looking for a gentle introduction into the writings of Richard Matheson, then BID TIME RETURN is probably the best place to start. For those interested in having spines tingled, I can think of no better place to start than with this collection.
I AM LEGEND is beautifully developed. The writer's strong suit has always been matching multi-dimensional characters with intriguing "what if?" situations, and this book truly delivers. I not only wanted to know what was going to happen to the central character, but I was continually wondering what I would do in such a fantastic situation.
HELL HOUSE is my favorite haunted house tale. The idea of putting so many variations of psychic manifestations under one roof, and then turning an investigative team loose to probe them is a delight. There were moments when an errant sound from somewhere in my house while reading literally jolted me out of my chair. The ultimate revelation is both satisfying and in keeping with the events that occurred before.
If someone is looking for a gentle introduction into the writings of Richard Matheson, then BID TIME RETURN is probably the best place to start. For those interested in having spines tingled, I can think of no better place to start than with this collection.
November 1, 2015
Three individuals -- a scientific researcher, a devout christian medium, and the only survivor of a catastrophic incident at Belasco House decades earlier -- are offered $100,000 each by a dying man to spend a week within its walls and determine whether or not there is life after death.
Hell House is an example of a short story dragged out to fill the length of a novel. The same things keep happening over and over, and the trials the characters go through aren't even particularly imaginative. Very little actually happens, and the "secret" discovered at the end isn't worth the too-long journey.
This was a real-life book club pick and I haven't read the rest of the stories in this edition (except for one short I read elsewhere.) If I ever do, I'll update, but since Hell House is a novel in itself I am counting it toward my goal for the year.
Hell House is an example of a short story dragged out to fill the length of a novel. The same things keep happening over and over, and the trials the characters go through aren't even particularly imaginative. Very little actually happens, and the "secret" discovered at the end isn't worth the too-long journey.
This was a real-life book club pick and I haven't read the rest of the stories in this edition (except for one short I read elsewhere.) If I ever do, I'll update, but since Hell House is a novel in itself I am counting it toward my goal for the year.
March 29, 2016
I AM LEGEND is the unsparing story of the last man on earth unaffected by a plague that has turned everyone else into vampires. Basis of some fine movies (my favorite being THE OMEGA MAN) and a classic Cracked magazine take-off. HELL HOUSE is the basis of the wonderful Roddy McDowell movie THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE, about a team of psychics who go to investigate a very, very dangerous haunting that killed off most of a previous team of psychic investigators. Twisted, Gothic and unforgettable. Full of rampant 1970s sexual content.
August 23, 2022
3.8/5
March 30, 2024
A writer more known for his ideas than for his writing, which is sparse to the point of laziness. Lots of hissing, for example, in Hell House. The ideas are often brilliant, and it’s a testament to Mathewson that he’s well-known for so many things. The Twilight Zone episode about the creature on the wing—Nightmare at 20,000 Feet. I Am Legend, a compounding of vampire and zombie and post-apocalypse quite unique at its publication in the 50s. Hell House, a super-sexualized take on Shirley Jackson’s much-better Hill House. But also things outside the horror genre. What Dreams May Come. A Stir of Echoes. Bid Time Return, which became Somewhere in Time—a good to great movie, very underappeciated. And of course Duel, the great TV movie directed by Spielberg in the early-70s.
I gave this book 4 stars because if you love the genre, you’ve got to read the two books. They are great concepts and Mathewson’s impression on others in the genre is obvious. The short stories thrown in are okay to skip. One or two are okay. But like Duel, Somewhere in Time and his other novels, Mathewson presented great ideas and scenes…and then didn’t do too much with them. Very frustrating. You can see the almost-greatness there, but he rarely reaches out and grabs it. His treatment of female characters is iffy as well. Robert is brought down by a woman. The female sexpot spiritualist in Hell House succumbs to the demon ghost sexually. The scientist’s housewife is repressed and essentially a maid. Hmmm. His short novels could’ve been great novellas or great longer novels, but end up being neither. Still, very very good is better than most, but reading Mathewson is like watching a ball player who should make the Hall of Fame but who instead is good enough to be in the Hall of the Very Good.
But those ideas. Those scenes. And the reach. Few horror and sci-if masters could delve into the romantic as often as he did. The protagonists in I Am Legend and in Somewhere in Time dwindle, park and pine at the end because of romantic longings or the need for them. And his work will remain with you, despite their truncations and flaws.
I gave this book 4 stars because if you love the genre, you’ve got to read the two books. They are great concepts and Mathewson’s impression on others in the genre is obvious. The short stories thrown in are okay to skip. One or two are okay. But like Duel, Somewhere in Time and his other novels, Mathewson presented great ideas and scenes…and then didn’t do too much with them. Very frustrating. You can see the almost-greatness there, but he rarely reaches out and grabs it. His treatment of female characters is iffy as well. Robert is brought down by a woman. The female sexpot spiritualist in Hell House succumbs to the demon ghost sexually. The scientist’s housewife is repressed and essentially a maid. Hmmm. His short novels could’ve been great novellas or great longer novels, but end up being neither. Still, very very good is better than most, but reading Mathewson is like watching a ball player who should make the Hall of Fame but who instead is good enough to be in the Hall of the Very Good.
But those ideas. Those scenes. And the reach. Few horror and sci-if masters could delve into the romantic as often as he did. The protagonists in I Am Legend and in Somewhere in Time dwindle, park and pine at the end because of romantic longings or the need for them. And his work will remain with you, despite their truncations and flaws.
September 15, 2019
A little while back, I was recommended to read “Hell House” by Richard Matheson because it was considered by a number of folk to be one of the greatest, most atmospheric haunted house novels ever written, right up there with Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting of Hill House” and Stephen King’s “The Shining.” Seeing it was paired in a single volume with Matheson’s other classic, “I Am Legend,” and a handful of short horror tales, I found it a bargain and picked it up.
“I Am Legend” is the horror classic that tells the tale of Robert Neville, the last human living on a post-apocalyptic Earth plagued by vampires. It inspired the films “The Last Man on Earth” with Vincent Price, “The Omega Man” with Charleton Heston, and the most recent eponymously titled “I Am Legend” with Will Smith. Not to mention all George A. Romero’s “Dead” films, the “Resident Evil” video game series, and “The Walking Dead” comic series among others. Yes, this book was single-handedly responsible for the entire post-apocalyptic zombie survival horror subgenre. Although some scenes in the story can be a little plodding and dry, I feel that the reader gets an intimate look at the life of the main character of Robert Neville, and, based upon that, either grows to love him or detest him. Although the novella is enjoyable, I personally think it could’ve used more scenes with Neville battling the vampires. And the ending is completely different from any of the film adaptations that were made, at least that I can remember.
Between this novella and the other title. “Hell House,” there are a number of short horror stories which are interesting, but nothing really to cement them in the mind of the reader as solid horror tales, at least in my opinion.
“Hell House” is quite the disturbing tale, and stands out the most in this volume. In this novella, physicist Dr. Lionel Barrett, his wife Edith, and the two mediums, Florence Tanner, and Benjamin Franklin Fischer, band together to investigate the Belasco House in Maine, otherwise known as “Hell House” which is said to be the world’s most haunted house. It belonged to one Emeric Belasco, a man that could have given Aleister Crowley a run for his money. At the turn of the twentieth century, he founded a society within that accursed house dedicated to diabolism and debauchery.
The history of Belasco House is truly chilling, sinister, black, and terrifying. While reading it, I could almost hear dark organ music playing in the background. Unfortunately, at least from my view, it’s the height of the terror in the novella and never is eclipsed by the horror of any supernatural happening that it sets the story up for. There are a few memorable, intriguing scenes, but nothing that stays in the mind and haunts it into oblivion so much as the house’s history. The ending, I will say, had an interesting twist and made the novella not so much of a disappointment.
I give “I Am Legend/Hell House” by Richard Matheson a 3 out of 5.
“I Am Legend” is the horror classic that tells the tale of Robert Neville, the last human living on a post-apocalyptic Earth plagued by vampires. It inspired the films “The Last Man on Earth” with Vincent Price, “The Omega Man” with Charleton Heston, and the most recent eponymously titled “I Am Legend” with Will Smith. Not to mention all George A. Romero’s “Dead” films, the “Resident Evil” video game series, and “The Walking Dead” comic series among others. Yes, this book was single-handedly responsible for the entire post-apocalyptic zombie survival horror subgenre. Although some scenes in the story can be a little plodding and dry, I feel that the reader gets an intimate look at the life of the main character of Robert Neville, and, based upon that, either grows to love him or detest him. Although the novella is enjoyable, I personally think it could’ve used more scenes with Neville battling the vampires. And the ending is completely different from any of the film adaptations that were made, at least that I can remember.
Between this novella and the other title. “Hell House,” there are a number of short horror stories which are interesting, but nothing really to cement them in the mind of the reader as solid horror tales, at least in my opinion.
“Hell House” is quite the disturbing tale, and stands out the most in this volume. In this novella, physicist Dr. Lionel Barrett, his wife Edith, and the two mediums, Florence Tanner, and Benjamin Franklin Fischer, band together to investigate the Belasco House in Maine, otherwise known as “Hell House” which is said to be the world’s most haunted house. It belonged to one Emeric Belasco, a man that could have given Aleister Crowley a run for his money. At the turn of the twentieth century, he founded a society within that accursed house dedicated to diabolism and debauchery.
The history of Belasco House is truly chilling, sinister, black, and terrifying. While reading it, I could almost hear dark organ music playing in the background. Unfortunately, at least from my view, it’s the height of the terror in the novella and never is eclipsed by the horror of any supernatural happening that it sets the story up for. There are a few memorable, intriguing scenes, but nothing that stays in the mind and haunts it into oblivion so much as the house’s history. The ending, I will say, had an interesting twist and made the novella not so much of a disappointment.
I give “I Am Legend/Hell House” by Richard Matheson a 3 out of 5.
October 29, 2020
I really liked this book, it was a vampire story but different then what I have read before, this was something I would read. Also the book is very different from the movie, I like the book better, it has more to it. It was very exciting, as in there has happened a lot in a short period of time. The story line in the book was not very logic (?) because the disease came from a war, a storm and insects which didn’t make sense to me, though in the movies the disease started from a cure. There was made a cure for cancer and in a short period of time thousands of people took the medicine and that had side effects to it and one of them was bloodlust so they turned into vampires what makes more sense then what was written originally. But I did like the book I do recommend reading it is exciting and it has a scary side to it.
I also really like the title because first it didn’t make sense to me because why would you name a book about vampires “I am legend” I thought when I first chose the book it was about Greek god or something and I don’t remember what I expected but it was definitely nothing near what the book is about. But eventually towards the end it made sense. Because he was the only one left and he was a legend for staying for so long, though in the movies it makes more sense because in the end of the movie he finds the cure and gives it to Ruth (in the movies she is human) and she brings it to the mountains there is a big village there with all humans and Robert Neville dies as a legend because he found a cure to a plague. conclussion; i really really liked the book and i recommend reading it
I also really like the title because first it didn’t make sense to me because why would you name a book about vampires “I am legend” I thought when I first chose the book it was about Greek god or something and I don’t remember what I expected but it was definitely nothing near what the book is about. But eventually towards the end it made sense. Because he was the only one left and he was a legend for staying for so long, though in the movies it makes more sense because in the end of the movie he finds the cure and gives it to Ruth (in the movies she is human) and she brings it to the mountains there is a big village there with all humans and Robert Neville dies as a legend because he found a cure to a plague. conclussion; i really really liked the book and i recommend reading it
June 21, 2024
I wish I would have read the book before seeing the movie. I watched the movie a long time ago before I was into reading and before I even knew this was a book.
If I read this back in 1954 I would have probably given it 5-stars. Even so, this book still stands the test of time. Keep in mind when you read this book, it is one of the original apocalypse type novels that was written. I am sure I am forgetting a few.
There were some dull parts. A heavy emphasis on smoking and drinking. Perhaps that is one of the things Matheson was trying to show, towards the later end of the novel the antagonist stopped doing those things and depression subsided a bit. The zombies/vampires did not have as shocking of an effect for me as I would have hoped.
This book would have been a lot better read for me if I wouldn't of seen so many zombie movies and TV shows. It would have been a lot better if I wouldn't of seen the movie, which was not as good as the book. The part about the dog was the saddest part of the book for me. The ending was still a bit of a shocker. Again, keep in mind when you are reading this book this concept was still considered original and inspired all of the other Zombie/Apocalypse type movies and books that we have read and seen since 1954.
Matheson does not get the credit that he deserves. Especially for being one of his first novels and writing, he is a brilliant writer to say the least. I always enjoy reading his work.
If I read this back in 1954 I would have probably given it 5-stars. Even so, this book still stands the test of time. Keep in mind when you read this book, it is one of the original apocalypse type novels that was written. I am sure I am forgetting a few.
There were some dull parts. A heavy emphasis on smoking and drinking. Perhaps that is one of the things Matheson was trying to show, towards the later end of the novel the antagonist stopped doing those things and depression subsided a bit. The zombies/vampires did not have as shocking of an effect for me as I would have hoped.
This book would have been a lot better read for me if I wouldn't of seen so many zombie movies and TV shows. It would have been a lot better if I wouldn't of seen the movie, which was not as good as the book. The part about the dog was the saddest part of the book for me. The ending was still a bit of a shocker. Again, keep in mind when you are reading this book this concept was still considered original and inspired all of the other Zombie/Apocalypse type movies and books that we have read and seen since 1954.
Matheson does not get the credit that he deserves. Especially for being one of his first novels and writing, he is a brilliant writer to say the least. I always enjoy reading his work.
October 28, 2021
I am a huge fan of Richard Matheson and I desperately wanted to love this, but as soon as I finished it, all I could think of is “what was all that for”?
It’s a compelling start, and Matheson is a master at creating that great tension that just reels in its readers. He also writes really scary imagery. But it all feels bloated, all fluff without substance. It’s hard not to compare this novel to Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting at Hill House” where Jackson seamlessly blurs the supernatural with the psychological. Matheson seems to want to say that it can both be psychological and supernatural but the execution is less refined than Jackson’s. The initial tension dissipates once it falls into simply explaining things. The scares are indeed quite frightening but soon becomes redundant and boring to read — especially the constant nakedness and sexual attacks on the women. At parts it feels like a B-rated horror movie, which is not necessarily bad, but it annoyed me that Matheson seemed to tease at something deeper than visceral scares, something more insightful and darker, and then gives me an ending as loose as that. Talk about a let down
It’s a compelling start, and Matheson is a master at creating that great tension that just reels in its readers. He also writes really scary imagery. But it all feels bloated, all fluff without substance. It’s hard not to compare this novel to Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting at Hill House” where Jackson seamlessly blurs the supernatural with the psychological. Matheson seems to want to say that it can both be psychological and supernatural but the execution is less refined than Jackson’s. The initial tension dissipates once it falls into simply explaining things. The scares are indeed quite frightening but soon becomes redundant and boring to read — especially the constant nakedness and sexual attacks on the women. At parts it feels like a B-rated horror movie, which is not necessarily bad, but it annoyed me that Matheson seemed to tease at something deeper than visceral scares, something more insightful and darker, and then gives me an ending as loose as that. Talk about a let down
March 3, 2025
I specifically purchased this in a used book shop so I could read I Am Legend. I wasn't even aware until I cracked it open that it was also full of other short stories. Some of which were really great. Matheson has his own writing style that is a slow burn, although sometimes it's very, very slow. Like many people who opted to pick this up I saw the Will Smith movie and although it's been years since that was released, I wanted to see how the book held up. Turns out they are two COMPLETELY DIFFERENT stories. Robert Neville also happens to have blonde hair and blue eyes, and your "vampires" can talk. To me they are two standalone stories and both likable for their own reasons. So, while I loved the movie more, I still rallied behind Robert either way.
The Near Departed and Witch War are two short stories that will live in my head rent free so long as I'm alive. I've already sent them to friends. I honestly only made it halfway into Mad House before I became bored with it and moved on.
The Near Departed and Witch War are two short stories that will live in my head rent free so long as I'm alive. I've already sent them to friends. I honestly only made it halfway into Mad House before I became bored with it and moved on.
February 17, 2022
I am Legend was a fantastic novella. I love vampire stories and it did not disappoint. Loved the entire set up, writing style, and ending. The scientific descriptions were a bit much and that’s the only thing that kept it from being a five star read. 4.5 stars
The collection of short stories were an unnecessary addition that I wish had been left out. Mediocre at best, and several were just weird, overly sexual/sexist, and left me wishing I’d skipped them altogether. 2.5 stars
Hell House was a mix of all the above. Interesting premise and characters with some unexpectedly creepy scenes and plenty of sexual plot lines that reminded me of Clive Barker’s style. Some of the writing was odd though and overall it fell a little flat. 3.75 stars
The collection of short stories were an unnecessary addition that I wish had been left out. Mediocre at best, and several were just weird, overly sexual/sexist, and left me wishing I’d skipped them altogether. 2.5 stars
Hell House was a mix of all the above. Interesting premise and characters with some unexpectedly creepy scenes and plenty of sexual plot lines that reminded me of Clive Barker’s style. Some of the writing was odd though and overall it fell a little flat. 3.75 stars
December 12, 2025
Dual-story edition of Matheson's I Am Legend and Hell House - both powerhouses of isolation, lonliness, invasion, and personal horror. The former tale is the ultimate in how being alone for too long distorts our perceptions - ultimately making a monster of us. The latter, Hell House, is inevitably compared and contrasted with Shirley Jackson's august Haunting of Hill House, and is certainly the weaker for it. Dealing in a similar premise and tone to Jackson, Matheson cannot help but exaggurate already extreme imagery for shock value and titilation, resulting in a pulpy, albeit admitably exciting haunted house story.
January 20, 2022
Post-apocalyptic, pandemic novel. The last man on earth heroically fights his urgend sexual desires, but we all know what this means within the horror genre: the repressed returns... here in the forms of nasty female vampires showing him their pale undead flesh. Okay, the male vampires are attacking his house also, which led to three movie adaptions: The Last Man on Earth (1964), The Omega Man (1971), and I Am Legend (2007). By rereading it now it is so obvious that the novel was also an inspiration behind Night of the Living Dead (1968) - if not the main one....
November 9, 2017
This was a fun book to read. I️ didn’t realize it had the longer stories of I Am Legend and Hell House as well other short stories by Richard Matheson. I can see how a lot of writers look to him as being someone who inspired them. His writing had me on the edge of my seat and it was hard to put down. A fun read and I’d recommend this to anyone who loves horror.
February 16, 2021
Hard to give this a rating as the book contained two novels as well as a collection of short stories.
The stories were fairly diverse though all in the horror genre and showing Matheson’s penchant for the paranormal. I found there were few surprising elements or plot twists, but the stories (especially Hell House) did a great job of building a tense atmosphere.
The stories were fairly diverse though all in the horror genre and showing Matheson’s penchant for the paranormal. I found there were few surprising elements or plot twists, but the stories (especially Hell House) did a great job of building a tense atmosphere.
March 3, 2021
I Am Legend: This is my first read by Matheson and I enjoyed it. I can see his influence on King. The book ends a bit differently than I remembered in both of the movies. I think I actually like it better. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
March 6, 2021
I have no idea why the movie changed this story so much! Vampires by far cooler than zombies
July 13, 2022
5 stars to I am Legend. 2 1/2-3 stars for Hell House.
June 13, 2024
Excellent pair of horror novels.
March 11, 2016
2 great classics in one cover! I Am Legend: Way better than the movie, but also very different in story as well. Robert is an average middle aged man who is at the end of his rope. A mutation has turned the populace into vampires, even claiming his wife and daughter. Daily he prepares for their night comings, making repairs, finding food and supplies to keep him alive from neighboring houses, and creating the weapons to fight the new night society.
At night they come to taunt him, to scare or seduce him out of the house. Nights are when things get bad for Robert, and he eventually drowns them out with alcohol and sleep. Eventually Robert meets another woman who seems human (she IS out during the day) and figures out she is a trap sent by the vampires and let's himself be captured. In the end he realizes that the vampires (who are mutating and reorganizing into a society of sorts) think of him as the 'other' and are scared. They kill him as he is now the abomination. BRILLIANT story, beautifully written.
Hell House: A wealthy business man uses 2 mediums and a physicist to prove the existence of life after death in Belasco House, a house rife with stories of evil hauntings. This is not your typical House on Haunted Hill type of film story, this is a 'don't go into a dark room' and classic spooky seance story. The mediums experience supernatural side effects, there is psychobabble to explain what happens, and darkness conquers the entire house. It's not just evil, it's something that can't be purged, and it gets into their minds. It's Freddy meets classic Haunted House meets ouja board type seances, and it will keep you up at night!
There is a reason why they call Richard Matheson a master :)
At night they come to taunt him, to scare or seduce him out of the house. Nights are when things get bad for Robert, and he eventually drowns them out with alcohol and sleep. Eventually Robert meets another woman who seems human (she IS out during the day) and figures out she is a trap sent by the vampires and let's himself be captured. In the end he realizes that the vampires (who are mutating and reorganizing into a society of sorts) think of him as the 'other' and are scared. They kill him as he is now the abomination. BRILLIANT story, beautifully written.
Hell House: A wealthy business man uses 2 mediums and a physicist to prove the existence of life after death in Belasco House, a house rife with stories of evil hauntings. This is not your typical House on Haunted Hill type of film story, this is a 'don't go into a dark room' and classic spooky seance story. The mediums experience supernatural side effects, there is psychobabble to explain what happens, and darkness conquers the entire house. It's not just evil, it's something that can't be purged, and it gets into their minds. It's Freddy meets classic Haunted House meets ouja board type seances, and it will keep you up at night!
There is a reason why they call Richard Matheson a master :)
February 15, 2016
I'm rating this five stars for Hell House. That was a damn good haunted house story. Right on par with Shirley Jackson, but given how I like horrible details maybe a tad better for me. I like how Matheson isn't afraid to add horrific details, but he doesn't go too overboard either. Very nice balance of suspense and knowing.
I Am Legend makes a lot more sense after reading what Matheson actually wrote. Very well written and a solid story. The sole survivor becomes the boogeyman... damn that will make you think.
I can usually appreciate movies separately, but really the way they filmed the last half of the Will Smith movie was completely incoherent and totally lost sight of the story. It would have made a lot more sense with a hell of a lot smaller budget and sticking much more strictly to the story line. It should have been more along the lines of 28 Days Later than the CGI travesty that it was.
I really enjoyed the short stories after I Am Legend and before Hell House. Some were better than others as is normal for any collection of short stories and of course every reader will think different ones are the better ones. Overall very good collected works edition!
I Am Legend makes a lot more sense after reading what Matheson actually wrote. Very well written and a solid story. The sole survivor becomes the boogeyman... damn that will make you think.
I can usually appreciate movies separately, but really the way they filmed the last half of the Will Smith movie was completely incoherent and totally lost sight of the story. It would have made a lot more sense with a hell of a lot smaller budget and sticking much more strictly to the story line. It should have been more along the lines of 28 Days Later than the CGI travesty that it was.
I really enjoyed the short stories after I Am Legend and before Hell House. Some were better than others as is normal for any collection of short stories and of course every reader will think different ones are the better ones. Overall very good collected works edition!
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