Dracula: The Origins and Influence of the Legendary Vampire Count

by Giles Morgan

Few fictional characters have proven to be as enduringly popular as the legendary Count Dracula. First published in 1897, Bram Stoker's gothic masterpiece thrilled and disturbed Victorian society with its dark and compelling themes of violence, lust, cruelty and death. For many, the elegant but threatening figure of Dracula has come to epitomize the concept of the vampire. It is thought that Stoker took the name Dracula from the real-life historical figure of Vlad the Impaler, a medieval Romanian prince with a dark and sinister reputation. However, Stoker was also influenced by European literary creations such as The Vampyre , written in 1819 by John Polidori, the personal physician of Lord Byron. Polidori based his central character on the personality of the infamous poet and in doing so did much to crystalize the modern concept of the vampire as a sophisticated and sensual aristocrat. It is arguably within the medium of film, however, that the figure of Dracula has achieved its greatest fame within popular culture. In The Origins and Influence of the Legendary Vampire Count , author Giles Morgan examines the roots of the vampire myth and the creation of Bram Stoker's masterpiece of horror.

Genres: Nonfiction, Horror, Vampires, History, Classics

160 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2022

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ultimate book about the origin of vampires, Dracula and its aftermath until now. All sections of this non-fiction books were extremely well researched and page turning. Especially liked the parts on vampires in ancient lore and myths all over the world, Dracula in history and the description of the major vampire movies since the beginning (among them of course Nosferatu). Intriguing book with all the facts arranged in a way you like it. You should have read Dracula before picking it up otherwise it might contain spoilers. Highly recommended!

[Chris Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining and interesting delve into the origins, influences and impacts of Bram Stoker's novel and character of Dracula. A bit pop-culture in its approach and presentation but that's not necessarily a bad thing. After all, who wants to read a stuffy treatise on what is an excellent and still highly readable novel? Not me, that's for sure.
Giles Morgan's book is comprised of short chapters on vampirism in folklore and fiction, Vlad the Impaler, Stoker and the novel themselves, Dracula in cinema and TV, and the huge effect the character of Dracula has had on global entertainment and even on society itself.
I heartily recommend this book.
What's more - it's short. No waffling nonsense in these pages!
Go on, treat yourself. In fact - visit Whitby and buy this book from one of the wonderful bookshops there.

[Holly Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's a fun overview of the mythology, the writing and the many adaptations of Dracula ( right up to an interesting discussion of the unique and creepy Steven Moffat & Mark Gatiss adaptation).
I'm a little bit obsessed with folklore and vampires in particular, so a lot of the stories covered were familiar to me, yet this did not detract from my enjoyment at all. I also discovered a few things I had not known before ( always good). The enthusiasm of the author also helps a lot to smooth over the fact that it's hard to fit a subject this vast into a 209 page book.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and easy read with interesting information that goes in depth about the context of Dracula as well as vampire lore and history. The last few chapters were lacking however. Vampires have such rich presence in popular culture and the fact that Buffy the Vampire Slayer and even Twilight as much as I dislike it myself only got a mention at best is criminal. I am also disappointed that the influence of tuberculosis in the shaping of vampire mythos was not explored whatsoever, not even mentioned. But overall, I have walked away having learned something new and it was fun time reading it!

[wiks · Rating 4 out of 5]

'In my mind Dracula, the Mummy and Frankenstein's monster are driven figures, unable to help themselves, eventy our of control like a runaway train, and consequently very much alone. Audiences are terrified - very well, but they should also see the pathos of it.' (Christopher Lee, Lord of Misrule, p300). - page 166, Giles Morgan.


'What are rights?
Nobody has rights Zoe, man woman or monster. No one, no where. Its just a lunatic fantasy.' Count Dracula, BBC Series

[Ian · Rating 2 out of 5]

BOUGHT THIS FROM THE WORKS EARLIER THIS YEAR AND I HAVE TO SAY ALTHOUGH DIRT CHEAP REALLY A WASTE OF MONEY AS NOTHING NEW OR THAT I HADN;T READ BEFORE! THE ONLY INTERESTING BIT FOR ME WAS DESCRIBING SOME OF THE FILMS, BUT APART FROM THAT IN MY VIEW A PRETTY POINTLESS BOOK AS IT HAS ALL BEEN SAID BEFORE IN OTHER BOOKS!!

[Scott Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting and informative little book that will make you look at reading more on many bits and pieces, be it Bram Stoker, history, horror or myths.

I did find it a little bit repetitive at times, but this is likely useful if searching through the book for certain bits for reference rather than reading cover to cover.

Will be keeping handy to look back at again.

[Raye Porter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dracula is one of my favourite books of all time so of course I had to pick this book up. The amount of research that has gone into it is amazing, gives you the history surrounding vampires, the author, this literature history of vampires and the adaptations of Dracula

[Emi Gharbi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very condensed and incomplete, this book only offers a glimpse of Dracula and his influence in culture through the ages. I honestly don't think I've learnt a lot, most of it I already knew.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

kinda good but wasnt as detailed as it couldve been
i just like every vampire book tbh

[Emma Dargue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This charts the history of the origins of dracula and how a victorian novel has evolved and changed and also informed popular culture.

[Sofia · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 38 pages - I have tried to read this book multiple times but I simply cannot read it. Personally I found it boring and do not want to read it anymore. Just want to get on with my life.

[Kade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book however,I found the last section somewhat unnecessary as it just stated the plots of many Dracula adaptations.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative easy read about the history and influence of Brahm Stoker's Dracula, would recommend for anyone interested in the subject.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple way to learn about Dracula's origins, influences, etc. without having to do all the research and watch everything yourself.

[maisy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting I guess

[EMC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really easy read about the origins, mythology and popular culture references to vampirism and the influence of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting read, but a lot of the information used is already out there.

[Chloe Dyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative book into the influences that Bram Stoker would have used whilst writing Dracula. Most interesting when the book goes into the mythology/folklore of vampires across the world. The book brings in the cult following of vampires due to the current media like Twilight and vampire diaries.

[Kian · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first two thirds are pretty good, but the last two chapters read more like a blog post than a book!