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.
Books
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 17113th Greatest Book of All Time -
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.
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9. The Best Of Richard Matheson
Legendary Stories from a Master of Horror and Science Fiction
This collection showcases a diverse array of stories that highlight the imaginative and suspenseful storytelling of a master of speculative fiction. The anthology features a range of genres, from science fiction and horror to fantasy and psychological thrillers, each exploring themes of human nature, fear, and the unknown. With compelling characters and unexpected twists, the stories delve into the complexities of reality and the supernatural, often blurring the lines between the two. The collection captures the essence of the author's ability to evoke emotion and provoke thought, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
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10. Nightmare At 20,000 Feet
Terror at 20,000 Feet
A gripping tale of suspense and psychological terror unfolds as a man aboard a commercial flight becomes convinced that a malevolent creature is tampering with the plane's wing. As the flight progresses, his frantic attempts to alert the crew and fellow passengers are met with skepticism and disbelief, leaving him isolated in his growing paranoia. The tension escalates as he struggles to discern reality from hallucination, culminating in a chilling climax that blurs the line between sanity and madness.
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11. The Jigsaw Man
In a chilling exploration of identity and survival, the narrative unfolds in a dystopian future where society has adopted a radical approach to crime and punishment. The protagonist, a man convicted of a minor offense, finds himself subjected to a horrifying procedure where his body parts are systematically replaced with those of other criminals. As he grapples with the loss of his physical self and the psychological torment of becoming a patchwork of humanity, he embarks on a desperate quest to reclaim his identity and challenge the oppressive system that seeks to dehumanize him.
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12. Jestem Legendą. Piekielny Dom. Człowiek, Który Nieprawdopodobnie Się Zmniejszał
This collection of three gripping tales delves into the depths of human resilience, fear, and transformation. The first story explores a post-apocalyptic world where a lone survivor battles against a plague that has turned humanity into vampire-like creatures, testing his will to endure isolation and despair. The second tale immerses readers in a haunted house filled with malevolent spirits, challenging a group of investigators to confront their deepest fears and unravel the mysteries within. The final narrative follows a man experiencing a bizarre and terrifying phenomenon as he inexplicably begins to shrink, forcing him to navigate a world that grows increasingly dangerous and alien with each passing day.
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13. Road Rage
Tales of Highway Terror
A gripping tale of suspense and terror unfolds as a seemingly ordinary road trip turns into a nightmare when a mild-mannered commuter becomes the target of a relentless and menacing truck driver. The story delves into the primal instincts of survival and fear, as the protagonist is pushed to his limits, navigating a deadly game of cat and mouse on the open highway. With tension mounting at every turn, the narrative explores themes of vulnerability, aggression, and the thin line between civilization and chaos.
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14. Journal Of The Gun Years
A Novel of the Wild West
Set in the tumultuous era of the American West, this gripping narrative unfolds through the personal diary of a gunslinger who grapples with the moral complexities of his violent lifestyle. As he navigates a world filled with danger, betrayal, and fleeting moments of redemption, the protagonist reflects on his past choices and the relentless pursuit of survival. The story delves into themes of identity, legacy, and the haunting shadows of one's actions, painting a vivid portrait of a man torn between his notorious reputation and the yearning for peace.
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15. Earthbound
In this supernatural thriller, a couple seeks solace in a remote seaside cottage to mend their strained marriage, only to find themselves entangled in a chilling encounter with a restless spirit. As the haunting presence grows more intense, they are forced to confront their deepest fears and hidden secrets, testing the limits of their love and sanity. The narrative weaves together elements of suspense and psychological tension, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the enduring power of love in the face of the unknown.
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16. Hunted Past Reason
In this gripping psychological thriller, two old friends embark on a camping trip in the remote wilderness, only to find their camaraderie unraveling into a deadly game of survival. As tensions rise and hidden resentments surface, the journey turns into a harrowing test of endurance and wits. With the unforgiving landscape as a backdrop, the narrative delves into the darker aspects of human nature, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and the primal instincts that emerge when civilization's veneer is stripped away.
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