Books

First Edition, First Printing, First Issue with one blank leaf at the back of the book with no advertisement, WITHOUT the ad for the Shoulder of Shasta, WITHOUT any terminal catalogue; and printed on thicker stock with uncut page edges. Early printings of Dracula come in various states. Copies with a blank final text leaf and no pages of adverts are considered the earliest as all copies. Accompanied by a very scarce autographed, signed letter by Bram Stoker laid in. The letter was both written and signed by Bram Stoker in the year of him publishing Dracula. The letter is dated 27-9-97, and signed by Bram Stoker in full signature “Bram Stoker”. The book is accompanied by a laid in single page Autograph letter Signed on writing paper of Henry Irving’s 1897 tour, (specifically from Birmingham). The letter is dated 27 September 1897, to [James C.] Dibdin, asking him for a copy of [his book] Scottish Border Life, pencil notes to verso in an unknown hand. 1 page. Signed by Bram Stoker in his rare full signature “Bram Stoker”. Stoker was manager of the Lyceum Theatre and Irving’s secretary from 1878-1898. A very good copy of this scarce, highly collectible title. Rebacked, preserving the original cloth spine which was fully present but is soiled and faded, and with a few small outer edge nicks. The boards otherwise have fading, age toning and a few spots of discoloration to the cloth covers. Original end papers present, but with the front fly leaf paper absent and with a very small 1/2” intact tear to the top of the last 3 pages (now archivally repaired). Otherwise, all pages present and the interior of the book is remarkably clean with maybe only one or two dots of handling marks. The binding is tight and square and the reback has made the book quite sound and not fragile (and therefore even readable!). Scripted owner name to the front paste down. Please see images for details. ADDITIONAL 18 IMAGES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. Please see our ABE store for other landmark Horror and SciFi titles.

"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.