Books

Westminister: Archibald Constable and Company, 1897. First edition, third issue (or printing) with ad for Shoulder of Shasta p. [392] and undated 16-page publisher's catalog inserted at rear [Dalby 10(c)]. "The world's most influential and enduring supernatural novel of vampirism, starring the most celebrated and evocative character in macabre literature" (Dalby). 8vo yellow cloth-covered boards stamped in red; 390 pages plus ads. Good to very good with covers moderately soiled, spine tanned, spine lettering mellowed, hinges starting but still tight, light repair to front hinge paper, occasional faint stain to margins (encroaching slightly on text, pp. 170 & 171); occasional shallow chip or tear to margins where roughly opened (most noticeably on pp. 273-276, see pictures); and mended tear pp. 67/8 affecting few letters in text (pictured). A pleasing example of this GOTHIC HORROR CLASSIC.

"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.