Travis Simpkins: "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

Sunday, October 30, 2016

"Dracula" by Bram Stoker

Dracula

by Bram Stoker (1847-1912)

First Published, 1897

Brief Review by Travis Simpkins

By no means do I intend to critique a classic work, merely to encourage a full reading of this wondrous book that has come to define the Vampire genre. Like many others in my age group, I saw many film versions of the Dracula tale prior to reading the original novel by Bram Stoker. Similarities are sparingly few and very far between.

Published in 1897, Dracula by Bram Stoker is still an approachable work for modern audiences. Not told in a traditional linear narrative, the epistolary story is pieced together by way of letters, diary entries and ship's log entries… combining the viewpoints of several key characters. The novel tells the tale of Count Dracula's attempt to move from Transylvania to England so that he may spread the undead curse amongst new blood. A battle and epic chase ensues between Dracula and several characters (both strong males and females) under the direction of Professor Abraham Van Helsing.

Read it, and then read it again.

Supposedly, the character of Count Dracula was inspired by the 15th Century Wallachian Prince Vlad III, also known as Vlad the Impaler and Vlad Dracula.