Richard Matheson

Richard Matheson was an American author and screenwriter, primarily in the fantasy, horror, and science fiction genres. He is best known for his novel 'I Am Legend,' as well as his work on 'The Twilight Zone' television series.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. I Am Legend

    The novel is a post-apocalyptic horror story that centers around a solitary man who may be the last human alive on earth after a pandemic has turned the rest of humanity into vampire-like creatures. He spends his days fortifying his home, hunting for food, and killing these creatures while they sleep. At night, he is tormented by their attempts to break into his home and kill him. His isolation drives him to the brink of insanity, and the novel explores themes of loneliness, survival, and the human capacity for hope in the face of utter despair.

    The 776th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Bid Time Return

    The novel centers around a disenchanted and lonely playwright who, while staying at a historic hotel, becomes captivated by a photograph of a beautiful stage actress from the late 19th century. Obsessively drawn to her, he discovers a way to time travel and meets the actress in the past, where they embark on a deeply passionate and bittersweet romance. As he navigates the complexities of time and love, he must confront the heart-wrenching reality that their time together may be fleeting and that their love, while timeless, faces insurmountable obstacles.

    The 2593rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Shrinking Man

    The novel follows the story of Scott Carey, who, after being exposed to a combination of pesticides and radiation, begins to shrink at a rate of one-seventh of an inch per day. As he becomes smaller and smaller, Carey must face not only the physical dangers of his ever-decreasing size but also the psychological trauma of becoming less significant in a world that seems to be growing larger and more threatening. His struggle for survival becomes both a physical battle with creatures like spiders and a philosophical inquiry into the nature of existence, identity, and what it truly means to be human in the face of incomprehensible circumstances.

    The 3137th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. Hell House

    The novel follows a group of four individuals—a physicist, his wife, a spiritual medium, and a physical medium—who are tasked with investigating the notorious Belasco House, known as the most haunted house in the world. As they spend time in the mansion, they encounter terrifying supernatural phenomena that test their beliefs, sanity, and survival. The story delves into themes of fear, the afterlife, and the human psyche, as each character confronts their own personal demons while trying to uncover the dark secrets of the house.

    The 5507th Greatest Book of All Time
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  5. 5. Collected Stories Of Richard Matheson

    A Master of the Macabre

    This collection brings together a diverse array of tales that showcase the imaginative prowess and narrative versatility of the author. Spanning genres such as science fiction, horror, and fantasy, the stories delve into themes of human nature, fear, and the supernatural. Each narrative is crafted with a keen attention to psychological depth and suspense, often exploring the boundaries between reality and the surreal. The collection highlights the author's ability to evoke emotion and provoke thought, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate speculative fiction and the exploration of the human condition.

    The 8205th Greatest Book of All Time
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  6. 6. A Stir Of Echoes

    In this supernatural thriller, a man named Tom Wallace experiences a dramatic change in his life after being hypnotized at a party. He begins to have disturbing visions and psychic abilities, including hearing the thoughts of others and seeing the ghost of a woman in his home. As Tom struggles to understand and control his newfound powers, he becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the ghostly presence, leading him to uncover dark secrets and confront the hidden tensions within his suburban community. The story explores themes of perception, reality, and the unseen forces that influence human behavior.

    The 8988th Greatest Book of All Time
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  7. 7. Matty Matheson

    The book is a vibrant and candid exploration of the life and career of a charismatic chef, known for his larger-than-life personality and culinary prowess. It delves into his journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a celebrated figure in the culinary world, highlighting his passion for food, his struggles with personal demons, and his unyielding dedication to authenticity. Through a series of personal anecdotes and reflections, the narrative captures the essence of his unique approach to cooking and life, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the highs and lows of his remarkable path.

    The 17035th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. What Dreams May Come

    After a sudden death a man awakens in a vividly imagined afterlife where reunion with loved ones, memory and the landscapes of a painter’s imagination shape heaven; when his grieving wife chooses to end her life and becomes trapped in a personalized hell of guilt and despair, he refuses to accept permanent separation and embarks on a perilous journey through layered realms, aided by spiritual guides, to bring her back—exploring themes of love, loss, redemption, and the way consciousness shapes the hereafter.

    The 17035th Greatest Book of All Time
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