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First printing of this publication (with Gorey illustrations) in book form, large octavo size, 464 pp., in publisher's box, with separate lithograph in wallet, the litho also signed by Gorey. "In 1897, the English-speaking world began a monumental shudder which is still in progress. In that year, 'Dracula', the most bloodcurdling of horror stories, was published in England" (n.b., the opening lines of the books' Introduction, p. ix). This limited edition contains drawings by the inimitable illustrator Edward St. John Gorey (1925-2000), whose distinctive style is evocative of a mystical, gothic Victorian era; his vast body of work includes over one hundred books written by himself, as well as those by many well-known authors such as T. S. Eliot, Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll, H. G. Wells, and Virginia Woolf (n. b., info from the Edward Gorey House website). These illustrations originally appeared in "Dracula, A Toy Theatre"; this publication made special by Gorey's signature on the limitation page as well as on the separate print. ___DESCRIPTION: The volume bound in full black cloth over boards, silver lettering stamped on the front board and spine, small illustration of Count Dracula in red and black mounted onto the front board, two different illustrations taken from the stage setting serving as endpapers, limitation page tipped onto the FFEP with title in red and signed by Edward Gorey, this volume no. 552 of 750 numbered copies (plus 26 lettered), illustrated title page with red lettering, full number line on the copyright page, eight full-page illustrations by Gorey bound in throughout (all of characters in the story), red ribbon marker; large octavo size (9 1/2" by 7"), pagination: [i-viii] ix-xxxvi [1-6] 7-427 [1, colophon]. Separate illustraion (of Lucy Westenra) with the same limitation number, signed by Gorey, in a wallet bound in red cloth over boards and lined with black paper, the illustration contained within corners of black ribbon. Both housed within a drop-back box covered in black cloth and lined with black paper, secured with black ribbon ties. ___CONDITION: Volume fine overall, with clean boards, straight corners without rubbing, a strong, square text block with solid hinges, the interior is clean and bright, the ribbon tie securely in place, and entirely free of prior owner markings; a hint of rubbing to the illustration on the front board, else fine. The separate illustration and wallet also fine, clean and without wear. The box near fine, strong and sturdy, with some overall light dustiness and the ribbon ties a bit creased from having been tied. ___CITATION: This publication not in Toledano (having been published later), the original illustrations done for "Dracula, A Toy Theatre" being Toledano A73. ___POSTAGE: International customers, please note that additional postage may apply as the standard does not always cover costs; please inquire for details. ___Swan's Fine Books is pleased to be a member of the ABAA, ILAB, and IOBA and we stand behind every book we sell. Please contact us with any questions you may have, we are here to help.

"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.

The first edition of "Dracula" was published by Archibald Constable and Company in London in 1897. The cover of the first edition features a yellow cloth binding with the title, author's name, and publisher's logo stamped in red. The first edition contains 390 numbered pages. The title page states: DRACULA BY BRAM STOKER WESTMINSTER ARCHIBALD CONSTABLE AND COMPANY 2 WHITEHALL GARDENS 1897