Richard Matheson "I Am Legend" First Printing, Signed Artist Gift Edition [Sealed]

“I think the author who influenced me the most as a writer was Richard Matheson. Books like I Am Legend were an inspiration to me.” ―Stephen King

Personally Signed by Allen Williams, the Award-winning Illustrator

Suntup Press 2020. Richard Matheson "I Am Legend" Artist Gift Edition. First Printing as stated on the copyright page. Slipcased gift edition. Sealed without any flaws. Includes the original bookmarker from the publisher. 

Signed by Allen Williams, the Artist Gift edition is limited to 1000 copies and features a dust jacket with cover art by Stanley Meltzoff (1917-2006) from the original 1954 edition. It is a full cloth smyth-sewn binding with two-hits foil stamping, and printed endsheets. It is the only edition of the three with the dust jacket. The book is printed offset, and is housed in a printed slipcase with cloth on the upper and lower sections.

THIS ITEM IS NOW SOLD OUT FROM THE PUBLISHER

"This may be the most terrifying novel you will ever read.” This quote from mystery writer William Campbell Gault graced the first edition cover of what would become one of the most influential and adapted works of the 20th century.

The fine press limited edition of "I Am Legend" by Richard Matheson is presented in three states: Lettered, Numbered and Artist Gift editions. This is the Lettered Edition with the following features:

ARTIST GIFT EDITION

• Signed by Allen Williams.
• 6” x 9” trim size.
• Limited to 1000 copies.
• Full cloth smyth-sewn binding.
• Two hits foil stamping.
• Printed endsheets.
• Six black-and-white illustrations by award winning artist Allen Williams.
• Dust jacket featuring Stanley Meltzoff art from the original 1954 edition (the only edition featuring the dust jacket.)
• Silk endbands.
• Printed offset.

Published editions may differ slightly from mockups and prototype designs.

Artwork © 2019 by Allen Williams

About the book

Originally published in 1954, Richard Matheson’s I Am Legend ushered in a different kind of novel, defying and transcending genre to combine elements of horror and science fiction within a post-apocalyptic frame.

I Am Legend is the story of Robert Neville, who appears to be the sole survivor of a pandemic that has turned the human race into a crossbreed of zombies and vampires. Robert must hunt by day, hide by night, and most importantly, survive.

In 2012, the Horror Writers Association gave I Am Legend the special Vampire Novel of the Century Award. The novel and Richard Matheson are often credited for creating the zombie-vampire genre.

I Am Legend is a 1954 post-apocalyptic horror novel by American writer Richard Matheson. It was influential in the development of the zombie-vampire genre and in popularizing the concept of a worldwide apocalypse due to disease. The novel was a success and was adapted into the films The Last Man on Earth (1964), The Omega Man (1971), and I Am Legend (2007). It was also an inspiration behind Night of the Living Dead (1968).

Robert Neville may well be the last living man on Earth . . . but he is not alone.

An incurable plague has mutated every other man, woman, and child into bloodthirsty, nocturnal creatures who are determined to destroy him.

By day, he is a hunter, stalking the infected monstrosities through the abandoned ruins of civilization. By night, he barricades himself in his home and prays for dawn....

Editorial Reviews

“One of the most important writers of the twentieth century.” ―Ray Bradbury

“I think the author who influence me the most as a writer was Richard Matheson. Books like I Am Legend were an inspiration to me.” ―Stephen King

“Matheson is one of the great names in American terror fiction.” ―The Philadelphia Inquirer

“Matheson inspires, it's as simple as that.” ―Brian Lumley



ARTWORK

“We worked very closely with Richard Christian Matheson throughout the project to create an edition that honors the legacy of the author and this groundbreaking novel.” — Paul Suntup

Photograph by Beth Gwinn

Richard Matheson (1926-2013) is the author of many classic novels and short stories. He wrote in a variety of genres including terror, fantasy, horror, paranormal, suspense, science fiction and western. In addition to books, he wrote prolifically for television (including The Twilight Zone, Night Gallery, Star Trek) and numerous feature films. Many of Matheson’s novels and stories have been made into movies including I Am Legend, Somewhere in Time, The Shrinking Man and What Dreams May Come. His many awards include the World Fantasy and Bram Stoker Awards for Lifetime Achievement, the Hugo Award, Edgar Award, Spur Award for Best Western Novel, multiple Writer’s Guild awards, and in 2010 he was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Allen Williams is an award winning illustrator, concept designer and fine artist. From a young age a pencil and paper was an escape and a refuge for Allen. Now nationally and internationally known, for over 28 years Allen has applied his talents to everything from illustration for gaming companies and book covers, to concept work for major motion pictures and television. His vision for such projects ranges from illustration to concept work and creature and character designs.

ABOUT THE EDITIONS

The limited edition of I Am Legend by Richard Matheson is presented in three states: Lettered, Numbered and Artist Gift editions. The editions measure 6” x 9” trim size and feature six black & white illustrations by award winning artist Allen Williams. All copies are signed by the artist.

THIS LISTING IS FOR THE SIGNED ARTIST GIFT EDITION (pictured far right)

Please note that Artist Gift editions are not numbered.

Title and chapter pages printed with an additional spot color.

Housed in printed slipcase with cloth on the upper and lower sections.

Custom bookmark with all orders.