Bram Stoker’s Dracula, published in 1897, stands as a seminal work in the Gothic horror genre and has left an indelible mark on popular culture. The novel, written in an epistolary format, recounts the story of Count Dracula’s attempt to move from Transylvania to England to spread the undead curse. Upon its initial release, Dracula received mixed reviews but gained popularity over time, eventually becoming a classic. The novel’s eerie atmosphere, compelling characters, and innovative use of the vampire mythos contributed to its lasting legacy. Stoker’s meticulous research into Eastern European folklore and his skillful narrative structure captivated readers and inspired countless adaptations in various media.
Dracula’s Guest, considered a part of the Dracula canon, was published posthumously in 1914, two years after Stoker’s death. The short story is believed to be a deleted chapter from the original manuscript of Dracula. Stoker’s widow Florence describes it as ‘an hitherto unpublished episode from Dracula’ which ‘was originally excised owing to the length of the book, and may prove of interest to the many readers of what is considered my husband’s most remarkable work.’ Set in Munich, it follows an unnamed Englishman-generally assumed to be Harker-who, on the way to Transylvania, finds himself in perilous encounters with supernatural forces. In The New Annotated Dracula, Leslie S. Klinger cites a deleted sentence in Dracula where Harker comments that his throat is ‘still sore from the licking of the gray wolf’s file-like tongue.’
Dracula’s Guest maintains the ominous tone and Gothic ambiance characteristic of Stoker’s work, offering readers an additional glimpse into the mysterious and haunting world he created. The tale further solidifies Stoker’s reputation as a master of horror, showcasing his ability to craft chilling narratives that continue to captivate audiences to this day.
That excised chapter is presented here in its original place, leading into the classic narrative as an added enjoyment for devoted Dracula readers.
About the author
Bram Stoker, born on November 8, 1847, in Clontarf, a suburb of Dublin, Ireland, was an Irish author best known for his iconic Gothic novel ‘Dracula.’ Stoker’s early life was marked by illness, as he suffered from a mysterious ailment that left him bedridden until the age of seven. Despite this challenging start, he went on to attend Trinity College in Dublin, where he excelled academically and became involved in the university’s literary scene. After earning his degree, Stoker worked as a civil servant and a theater critic before finding his true calling in the world of literature.Bram Stoker’s lasting legacy is undeniably tied to his 1897 novel, ‘Dracula, ‘ a seminal work that has become a classic in the horror genre. The novel, written in an epistolary format through a series of letters, journal entries, and newspaper articles, tells the story of Count Dracula’s attempt to move from Transylvania to England to spread the undead curse and the battle between Dracula and a group of people led by Professor Abraham Van Helsing. Stoker’s depiction of the vampire count has shaped the popular image of vampires in Western culture, influencing countless subsequent works in literature, film, and other media. Despite the initial mixed critical reception, ‘Dracula’ has endured as one of the most celebrated and adapted works of Gothic fiction, solidifying Stoker’s place in literary history. Bram Stoker passed away on April 20, 1912, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate and terrify audiences around the world.
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