Books

First edition of the archetypal vampire novel, this copy a later issue, with the Shoulder of Shasta on the verso of the final integral leaf (p. 392) and 16-page advertisement catalogue at rear, not present in the first issue. Neil Wilson states that Dracula is "easily the most influential supernatural novel ever written and the origin of the entire vampire – 'industry'. Although filmed and adapted many times for stage and radio, no performance has yet managed to truly capture the atmosphere and originality of the novel itself... it was the publication of Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897), together with the emerging art of film-making, that transformed the vampire tale into a discrete sub-genre". Octavo. Original yellow cloth, spine and front cover lettered in red, single ruled red border on covers, lower and fore edges untrimmed. With 16 pp. advertisements at rear. Christmas 1898 ownership inscription on front free endpaper. Spine cocked and slightly toned, covers a little marked and silverfished, else bright, trivial wear to extremities, inner hinges cracked, occasional foxing to contents, rear free endpaper excised: a very good copy. Neil Wilson, Shadows in the Attic: A Guide to British Supernatural Fiction, 1820-1950, 2000.

"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.