Dracula: The Gothic Classic

A classic masterpiece of gothic horror fiction

Dracula, Bram Stoker’s chilling tale of disturbing events, dark desires and the harrowing world of vampires, has gripped audiences since it was first published in 1897. Reflecting the anxieties of late 19th-century Victorian society, this book explores the themes of superstition, sexuality and the fear of the unknown.

This epistolary novel conveys its narrative through letters, diary entries and newspaper articles as Jonathon Harker travels to Gothic Transylvania to assist the infamous Count Dracula with the purchase of an English house. The newly-qualified solicitor soon discovers the sinister truth about the Count’s vampiric intentions and diabolical ambitions. The only thing standing in Count Dracula’s way is a small group of people led by Professor Abraham Van Helsing, who know what he secretly is and have vowed to stop him.

Dracula remains a cornerstone of vampire lore, and has an ongoing influence on popular culture even today. This quintessential Gothic novel is perfect for horror fans, classic novel enthusiasts and fans of supernatural fiction.

Bram Stoker (b. 1847) was educated at Trinity College, Dublin. While a civil servant he wrote theatre reviews and short stories. He became the manager of Sir Henry Irving’s Lyceum Theatre in London, and met many of the great actors and writers of his day. As well as Dracula, his books include The Lady of the Shroud and The Lair of the White Worm. Stoker died in 1912.

Dr Curt Herr is Professor of Victorian, Queer, and Gothic Literature at Kutztown University, Pennsylvania. He has authored critical editions of Penny Dreadfuls including Varney the Vampire and The Black Monk. He is the co-editor of The Journal of Dracula Studies.

Tom Butler-Bowdon is series editor of the Capstone Classics series and has written introductions to Plato’s Republic, Epictetus’s Discourses, Machiavelli’s The Prince, and Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations. A graduate of the London School of Economics, he is also the author of 50 Philosophy Classics, 50 Politics Classics, and 50 Psychology Classics.