I am Legend 

By Richard Matheson

     Released in 1954 This chilling tale written by Richard Matheson was the inspiration for Night of the Living Dead.  It tells the tale of Robert Neville, the last man on Earth.  The world has been overcome by a Vampire virus and he appears to be the only human that is immune to it.  If you are a Night of the Living Dead fan and you have not read this, get down to your local bookstore or go to Amazon and order this book immediately.  

     This novel inspired other movies as well.  The closest cinematic adaptation is 1964's The Last Man on Earth starring Vincent Price as Robert Morgan (the main characters last name is about the only thing that is changed).  Also inspired by I am Legend is 1971's The Omega Man.  It stars Charlton Heston as Robert Neville, but in this version, the main character has created an anti virus that protects him from a biological war that destroys most of the human population.  All that seems to remain are him, and an army of Albino survivors, whose entire existence is devoted to wiping him out.  I highly suggest viewing both of these movies.

Publisher: Warner Books Year: 1974 
- Contains 16 pages of black and white images from the film.
- Warner Paperback Library Edition
- First printing : January, 1974
- Cover design by Gene Light

Return of the Living Dead: A sequel written by John Russo

This sequel takes place ten years after the original novel/movie.  The only character remaining from the original is Sheriff McClellan, and he plays a pretty substantial role.  It is a good read and an unlike Dawn of the Dead, it is more of a direct sequel to the events that took place in Night.   

     John Russo eventually sold the rights to MGM to make the movie.  Once MGM had the rights they completely changed the story, only using the title.  John later was allowed to write a novel based on the movie of the same name.  It is a little confusing that John has written two novels of the same title, but different stories.  As long as you have one of the versions on the left, then you are getting the original.

     I also own a copy of the film version of the novel, and it is also a pretty good read, diving into the characters from the movie a little more, and also revealing a sick side plot, explaining the reason for the barrels being in the warehouse in the first place.  A little of this side plot is revealed at the end of the work print version of the film, should you be lucky enough to get a chance to view it.

The Story (as printed on the back of the 1978 release)

     "A bus turns over in a quiet American town-and soon the entire country is filled with death and terror as corpses rise from their graves in search of human flesh to eat! No one is safe from these super-strong creatures and it seems as though a whole country could die in a bath of blood and horror!

     John Russo is the author of Night of the Living Dead, which became one of the most famous horror pictures of all time.  This sequel has all the terror, suspense and gore that made the first story a classic.  A sequel to the film Night of the Living Dead will be released soon!"  

Top Picture -  Dale Books, 1978

Bottom Picture - Commonwealth, 1995

Night of the Living Dead Filmbook: Written by John Russo

Published by Harmony Books, 1985

     A very thorough, informative book by John Russo, which delves into every nook & cranny of the production of Night 68, from the beginnings of The Latent Image, to the conception of the story, and how it evolved from script to the finished film, and the downfall of The Latent Image.    Filled with tons of photos of behind the scenes action, rare memorabilia, and cast members, this book pretty much explains anything that anyone would want to know about the picture.     A must read for fans.  At this time, I am uncertain of the differences between the two versions.  This review is based on the top picture.

Books about George Romero and his films

Written by Paul A. Gagne

This book would have to be the equivalent of the Farmer's Almanac for Romero fans.   As the NOTLD Filmbook is to NOTLD, TZTAP is to George Romero.   Exploring Romero's early beginnings making 8 mm films with friends, to his departure from Laurel in 1987, this book covers everything in between, from story beginnings of his films, to pre/post production, and their box office successes/drawbacks, with many interviews from all people involved in front of the camera, and behind the scenes, with lots of photos (including an 8 page layout of glossy, color pictures).    Also included are chapters covering THE WINNERS, a sports documentary series from the 70's by Romero and Richard Rubinstein, TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE, a chapter devoted to all the collaborations of Romero and special effects guru Tom Savini, and a complete George Romero filmography (until 1987).     Hopefully this book will get re-released, with an addendum of post-1987 Romero films.

Written by Tony Williams, Wallflower Press 2003, 224 pages

A great read. A thinking man's companion to The Zombies That Ate Pittsburgh. While I may not agree with all of the author's opinions, I highly recommend it to any fan of George Romero's work.

Synopsis

"The Cinema of George A. Romero: Knight of the Living Dead is the first in-depth study in English of the career of this foremost auteur working at the margins of the Hollywood mainstream in the horror genre. In placing Romero's oeuvre in the context of literary naturalism, the book explores the relevance of the director's films within American cultural traditions and thus explains the potency of such work beyond 'splatter movie' models. The author explores the roots of naturalism in the work of Emile Zola and traces this through to the EC Comics of the 1950s and on to the work of Stephen King. In so doing, the book illuminates the importance of seminal Romero texts such as Night of the Living Dead (1968), Creepshow (1982), Monkey Shines (1988), The Dark Half (1992). This study also includes full coverage of Romero's latest feature, Bruiser (2000), as well as his screenplays and teleplays."