Customer Reviews

I Am Legend Book No. 1

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If you think that this is just an adventure story with vampires, then you are missing the point. Sure, it works on that level, but intentionally or unintentionally, something much more sinister is going on.

This book was written in 1954, a time when there was general paranoia about communists hiding under every rock. More importantly, there was also a growing fear of the youth subculture and "juvenile delinquents." When the vampires in this story are described as "pallid, glassy-eyed travesties of humanity" the author is obviously talking about drugged-up kids- either then or now.

Combine this with the fact that the hero (the last true man on earth) is described as being middle aged, of English-German stock, college educated, and cultured. In short, he is an upper-class wasp surrounded by a society of vampires (i.e. blood sucking freaks who, in his opinion, contribute nothing to society.)

Having said this, I now have to say that this is exactly why people still identify with the main character. In fact, given the mass psychology involved with our current "war on terror" and "war on drugs" I am sure that this novel will enjoy renewed popularity for years to come. Paranoia still serves a political purpose.

Oh yes, this book was the basis of the film "The Omega Man", but a much better version was made in Italy in 1964 called "The Last Man on Earth"- it stared Vincent Price in one of his greatest roles.