Books

"Dracula" by Bram Stoker. Hutchinson, London. 1897 first UK edition (rare colonial issue) with cancel title page, occasional scattered spotting, ink stamp to front free endpaper, modern yellow morocco letter in red, in imitation of the first edition binding. The existence of this colonial issue only came to light relatively recently, with most copies appearing in decidedly poor condition. The colonial issue adheres to all of the first issue points (printed on thicker paper and without any advertisements) one might expect and was very likely to have been printed along with the very earliest of the first edition copies. It was not unusual for publishers to hand over responsibility for distributing these overseas editions as appears to be the case here. A true Stoker rarity. The Colonial Issue is in fact rarer than the traditional first UK printing. An unique collector's item to obtain this first edition of one of the greatest horror novels in literary history.

"Dracula" by Bram Stoker is a gothic horror novel that follows the story of Count Dracula, a vampire who seeks to spread his curse from Transylvania to England. Jonathan Harker, a young solicitor, visits Dracula's castle to assist with a real estate transaction, only to discover the terrifying truth about the Count. Dracula arrives in England, preying on innocent victims while evading detection by transforming into different forms. He targets Lucy Westenra, whose friends and suitors, including Dr. John Seward, Arthur Holmwood, and Professor Abraham Van Helsing, join forces to thwart the vampire's evil intentions. Structured as a collection of diary entries, letters, newspaper clippings, and ship's logs, "Dracula" introduces various themes such as the clash between modernity and ancient superstitions, the fear of the unknown, the allure of the forbidden, and the struggle between good and evil. Stoker's novel is significant for several reasons. First published in 1897, "Dracula" helped shape the modern vampire genre and established many conventions associated with vampires in popular culture, including their aversion to garlic, the use of wooden stakes, and their ability to transform into bats. Moreover, the character of Count Dracula has become an iconic figure in literature and entertainment, influencing numerous adaptations in films, television, theater, and literature. Thematically, "Dracula" delves into Victorian anxieties about sexuality, morality, and the changing social dynamics of the time. It explores the fears and desires of a society grappling with scientific advancements, the decline of traditional values, and the challenges posed by foreign influence. Stoker's skillful narrative, combined with the enduring appeal of the vampire archetype, has secured "Dracula" as a seminal work in gothic literature, leaving an indelible mark on both literary canon and popular culture, influencing subsequent generations of writers and artists exploring the supernatural and macabre.