Bram Stoker 
Dracula 

Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ is a timeless gothic novel that follows the journey of Count Dracula, a vampire who moves from Transylvania to England in search of new blood. Written in an epistolary format, the novel is composed of journal entries, letters, and newspaper articles, adding a sense of realism that captivates readers. Stoker masterfully weaves themes of sexuality, colonialism, and religion throughout the narrative, making ‘Dracula’ a complex and layered work of literature that continues to be analyzed and enjoyed by scholars and readers alike. The atmospheric descriptions and suspenseful plot create a sense of dread that lingers long after the book is finished. Bram Stoker, influenced by his interest in the supernatural and folklore, penned ‘Dracula’ at a time when gothic fiction was gaining popularity. Drawing from his own research on Eastern European myths and vampire lore, Stoker crafted a novel that would solidify his reputation as a master of horror. I highly recommend ‘Dracula’ to readers who appreciate intricate storytelling, richly developed characters, and a chilling atmosphere. Stoker’s classic novel remains a must-read for anyone interested in the origins of vampire literature and gothic fiction.

About the author

Bram Stoker, born Abraham Stoker on November 8, 1847, in Dublin, Ireland, is best known as the author of the quintessential gothic novel ‘Dracula’ (1897), which has immortalized his name in the annals of horror and vampire literature. Educated at the University of Dublin, Stoker graduated with honors in mathematics. He pursued a career in the civil service while developing a secondary career as a writer of sensational fiction, which culminated in the creation of his masterpiece. ‘Dracula’ is acclaimed not just for its spine-chilling tale but also for its intricate narrative structure, employing epistolary techniques that give a sense of immediacy and realism to the supernatural events described. The novel has spawned countless adaptations in film, theatre, and television, and has cast a lasting influence on the horror genre, shaping the public’s perception of vampires. Stoker’s writing, while prolific, never achieved financial success during his lifetime, but his posthumous fame solidifies him as a key figure in Victorian literature, with ‘Dracula’ often being hailed as one of the greatest horror novels ever written. Stoker died on April 20, 1912, but his legacy endures, with ‘Dracula’ continuing to enthral audiences and inspire writers within the gothic and horror traditions.