Title:Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Author:Bram Stoker
Genre:Horror
Publication:1897
Summary:
Dracula is an 1897 novel by Irish author Bram Stoker, featuring as its primary antagonist the vampire Count Dracula. It was first published as a hardcover in 1897 by Archibald Constable and Co. Dracula has been attributed to many literary genres including vampire literature, horror fiction, the gothic novel and invasion literature. Structurally it is an epistolary novel that is told as a series of letters, diary entries, ships’ logs, etc. Literary critics have examined many themes in the novel, such as the role of women in Victorian culture, conventional and conservative sexuality, immigration, colonialism, post-colonialism and folklore. Although Stoker did not invent the vampire, the novel’s influence on the popularity of vampires has been singularly responsible for many theatrical, film and television interpretations throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.
Review:
Dracula, written over 100 years ago in 1897, is in my opinion, one of the best books ever written. It is fair to say that this book brought vampires out of people’s subconscious fears, and into the forefront of everyday life. Other stories have been written about vampires, but nothing had been written, up to that point, that did what Bram Stoker did for vampires.
Beautifully written with rich characters and setting, Dracula was racy for its time. Though not blatant in its sexuality and violence, it is definitely there between the lines. While it was a critical success, it did not truly become a success until after Stoker’s death in 1912 with the advent of Hollywood and the movies.
Do not look to find sympathy for the vampires in this book. Dracula is an all-out epic battle for good and evil, where the lines between good and evil are clearly drawn. This story is exciting, scary, tragic, and beautiful. It is a MUST for anyone who loves vampires and the stories about them. Do not miss out on this story because it is over 100 years old. Bram Stoker was definitely ahead of his time. Pick a side, good or evil, and enjoy!
Classic through and through
I read this book every year & love it just as much every time! Thanks for reading my review!
Do you know which edtion is closest word for word to the orginal 1897 by Archibald Constable and Co.?
John,
I believe they are all the same since first written in English. I’ve read 3 different editions and there has been no variance except for the forward written by different authors.