As our upcoming One Book program on Max Brooks’ World War Z approaches, we have discussed the work of author Richard Matheson. We have especially discussed his book I am Legend, which was the inspiration of many works of literature. George Romero cited I am Legend for his ground-breaking film Night of the Living Dead. For this reason, it was very sad to read that Matheson passed away today at the age of 87. We was an innovator, writer, and thinker whose work included novels, short stories, television, and film.
Here are two pieces discussing Matheson’s work:
NPR: Author Richard Matheson, ‘I Am Legend’ Writer, Dies At 87
Richard Matheson, author of I Am Legend and inspiration to Stephen King
One of Matheson’s most beloved and known pieces of writing was the script for the Twilight Zone episode, “The Nightmare at 20,000 Fee.” You can watch this 1963 episode staring William Shatner and Christine White here: