Vampires in Literature

 

Vampires - Fiend or Fiction?

  Due to my current circumstance I have been unable to properly conduct research on the species of creature that I was hoping next to write about, so, for now, I have composed a short list of Vampire fiction that I hope will be of interest to all those who prefer the fictional beast over the more horrific reality of the creature. These vampires that I list have all contributed traits to our modern fictional vampires that make up the characters we know and love today. So, if you would like to learn more about the literary history of these beasts, or perhaps simply read a good book or two, I  strongly suggest reading the following books.

The Vampyre  - Dr. John Polidori (1819)

  The real author of this masterpiece (which, originally, was published anonymously) is credited with creating the first "Vampyre." Although thought to originally have been written for the purpose of good humor, this is the earliest written piece that is said to have helped shape the ragged and ill-dressed image of vampires.

Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood - James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett Prest (1847)

  While this story's vampire may not, at first, seem to contribute much in the way of originality to the fictional creatures of this world, Sir Francis Varney is the first vampire noted to have possession of particularly sharp teeth.

Carmilla - Sheridan Le Fanu (1871)

  Perhaps most widely known as one of the more romantic vampire tales of earlier vampire literature, this work is also the first to add a stake through a vampire's heart. It's vampire Carmilla, however, will forever be remembered for her relationship with the narrator, Laura.

Count Dracula - Bram Stoker (1897)

  An absolute classic and must read, Count Dracula is said to be both prototypical and archetypal vampire in subsequent works of fiction. Depicted as mostly a beast in the novel, the vampire Count perfectly portrays the typical belief people held of vampires at the time: old relics that had no time, nor care, for the most of humanity, except to feed on them and their loved ones.

  Unfortunately I do not have much time to write lengthy and more detailed descriptions of the books I have mentioned, but I hope that they prove to be fascinating reads, should you chose to read any of them. But oh, the hour is late and I must put down my pen. I trust that we will meet again, sometime soon, perhaps. 

       Until time returns,  

              The Friendly Steampunk

Credits to Google Images for the picture