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 Customer Reviews
got it, 20 Nov 2008
just got it will start reading soon :)
i got into a few lines and its quite addictive, niceee :D
Pretty good, 28 Sep 2008
I bought this recently, having never read (but often heard about) Lovecraft and the Cthulhu Mythos.
I'm only about a third of the way through, but it seems pretty good (although the author does seem to have swallowed a thesaurus - and a particularly gibbous and over-nourished one at that, most likely recovered from some Stygian Pit that the mortal mind was not meant to know of). Plus, he does have some rather - ahem - "old fashioned" attitudes to race and class that can seem rather jarring to a modern reader.
This particular edition also does, unfortunately, have a number of typos in the text, some of which ("Necroriomicon", "clay" instead of "day", and "Gthulhu") suggest to me that the publishers had the original text scanned and digitised, but imperfectly. (I'm keeping a note of them as I find them, and will inform the publishers when I've finished the book).
Still, all said, I don't regret getting the book, and if you don't mind those faults, I'd certainly recommend this to anyone interested in the genera.
Just as I remembered!!, 14 Sep 2008
Excellent, worth the wait!! I remember reading this as a child, it's just as good as I remembered. Real Classic stuff!!
I recommend it to anyone looking for some good old creepy stories.
JOIN THE DARKSIDE!!!!, 19 Jul 2008
What can i say that already hasn't been said.
This is truly awesome, a complete collection of lovecraft in a well bound casebound book with faux Leather cover, in black.
All your favorites are there. If you're a real lovecraft fan this is deffinately for you.
And for a very reasanoble price.
100% recommended, buy now & join us on a truly Dark venture into the world of the one & the only H.P.lovecraft
Beautifully produced edition, but -2 stars for horrible tacky price sticker on the back, 28 Jun 2008
Finally a beautifully produced and complete edition of H.P. Lovecraft's works, but whoever at Gollancz/Orion decided to spoil each book with a tacky price sticker - not even put on straight - that leaves a sticky residue when removed (and believe me, it's tenacious) should be punished by the elder gods, or at least someone senior at the publishers.
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Customer Reviews
got it, 20 Nov 2008
just got it will start reading soon :)
i got into a few lines and its quite addictive, niceee :D
Pretty good, 28 Sep 2008
I bought this recently, having never read (but often heard about) Lovecraft and the Cthulhu Mythos.
I'm only about a third of the way through, but it seems pretty good (although the author does seem to have swallowed a thesaurus - and a particularly gibbous and over-nourished one at that, most likely recovered from some Stygian Pit that the mortal mind was not meant to know of). Plus, he does have some rather - ahem - "old fashioned" attitudes to race and class that can seem rather jarring to a modern reader.
This particular edition also does, unfortunately, have a number of typos in the text, some of which ("Necroriomicon", "clay" instead of "day", and "Gthulhu") suggest to me that the publishers had the original text scanned and digitised, but imperfectly. (I'm keeping a note of them as I find them, and will inform the publishers when I've finished the book).
Still, all said, I don't regret getting the book, and if you don't mind those faults, I'd certainly recommend this to anyone interested in the genera.
Just as I remembered!!, 14 Sep 2008
Excellent, worth the wait!! I remember reading this as a child, it's just as good as I remembered. Real Classic stuff!!
I recommend it to anyone looking for some good old creepy stories.
JOIN THE DARKSIDE!!!!, 19 Jul 2008
What can i say that already hasn't been said.
This is truly awesome, a complete collection of lovecraft in a well bound casebound book with faux Leather cover, in black.
All your favorites are there. If you're a real lovecraft fan this is deffinately for you.
And for a very reasanoble price.
100% recommended, buy now & join us on a truly Dark venture into the world of the one & the only H.P.lovecraft
Beautifully produced edition, but -2 stars for horrible tacky price sticker on the back, 28 Jun 2008
Finally a beautifully produced and complete edition of H.P. Lovecraft's works, but whoever at Gollancz/Orion decided to spoil each book with a tacky price sticker - not even put on straight - that leaves a sticky residue when removed (and believe me, it's tenacious) should be punished by the elder gods, or at least someone senior at the publishers.
Still a fantastic read after more than a century, 21 Sep 2008
This book was quite unlike any I had previously read. While it was written in 1859 it is still - almost 150 years later - a book as gripping as it presumably was all those years ago for Victorian and Edwardian readers brought up on such spooky classics as Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Dracula and Frankenstein.
Told in the form of letters and diaries of the different characters involved it unfolds bit by bit and keeps you guessing right up until the very end. Collins's characters seem to come alive and make a lasting impression. As a thriller it easily beats many modern-day thrillers and really does have an unequalled air of menace and threat. Despite its age it is immensely readable and is a true page turner. Simply a must!
Sensational, 28 Mar 2008
For me what makes this novel great is not the love story between the social rising Walter Hartright and childish stereotypical heroine Laura Fairlie. Instead it is the depiction of the intelligent and brilliant Marian Halcombe and the wonderfully evil Count Fosco that reveals Collins' true writing talent. The speeches of these characters reveal feminist and social criticism adding an interesting dimension to the novel.
The plot itself is well constructed and the series of narrators makes the novel interesting and varied. The text is full of plot twists and is at times shocking, typical of sensation fiction. Admittedly some portions are a little tedious but I would definitely recommend reading this book.
Yaaaaawwwwnnn, 27 Mar 2008
This book is the most rambling, tiresome thing i have ever had the displeasure of reading. I finished it only because it was on my A level syllabus. Avoid like the plague
Excellent read., 25 Mar 2008
I started reading this with low expectations and for the first 200 pages I was bored stiff. However...almost halfway through the book the action really starts and all of a sudden I was taking great interest. It's then that all those boring details started to come into their own and it all made sence. Somewhere between page 200 and 300 the book becomes impossible to put down! The twists were unpredictable and *gasp* worthy! In fact I am quite certain this will be one of those rare books I end up reading a second time but with greater appreciation for the start. I am also going to read some other of Wilkie Collins' books in future. Can't wait to see what else is to be found.
This book is well worth anyones time READ IT!
Brilliant book! Completely unpredictable, 07 Jan 2008
It took me a few pages to get into this book but after that I enjoyed it very much.
The book is extremely good and it's very unpredictable. Whenever you think you know what's going to happen next something completely different happens.
I haven't seen any of the other copies of this book so I can't comment on them but if you are going to buy this one (Oxford World's Classics) then I would because the paper wasn't to thin and cheap and also it wasn't badly printed.
Don't be put off by the size it is well worth reading! I would recommend this book.
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Customer Reviews
got it, 20 Nov 2008
just got it will start reading soon :)
i got into a few lines and its quite addictive, niceee :D
Pretty good, 28 Sep 2008
I bought this recently, having never read (but often heard about) Lovecraft and the Cthulhu Mythos.
I'm only about a third of the way through, but it seems pretty good (although the author does seem to have swallowed a thesaurus - and a particularly gibbous and over-nourished one at that, most likely recovered from some Stygian Pit that the mortal mind was not meant to know of). Plus, he does have some rather - ahem - "old fashioned" attitudes to race and class that can seem rather jarring to a modern reader.
This particular edition also does, unfortunately, have a number of typos in the text, some of which ("Necroriomicon", "clay" instead of "day", and "Gthulhu") suggest to me that the publishers had the original text scanned and digitised, but imperfectly. (I'm keeping a note of them as I find them, and will inform the publishers when I've finished the book).
Still, all said, I don't regret getting the book, and if you don't mind those faults, I'd certainly recommend this to anyone interested in the genera.
Just as I remembered!!, 14 Sep 2008
Excellent, worth the wait!! I remember reading this as a child, it's just as good as I remembered. Real Classic stuff!!
I recommend it to anyone looking for some good old creepy stories.
JOIN THE DARKSIDE!!!!, 19 Jul 2008
What can i say that already hasn't been said.
This is truly awesome, a complete collection of lovecraft in a well bound casebound book with faux Leather cover, in black.
All your favorites are there. If you're a real lovecraft fan this is deffinately for you.
And for a very reasanoble price.
100% recommended, buy now & join us on a truly Dark venture into the world of the one & the only H.P.lovecraft
Beautifully produced edition, but -2 stars for horrible tacky price sticker on the back, 28 Jun 2008
Finally a beautifully produced and complete edition of H.P. Lovecraft's works, but whoever at Gollancz/Orion decided to spoil each book with a tacky price sticker - not even put on straight - that leaves a sticky residue when removed (and believe me, it's tenacious) should be punished by the elder gods, or at least someone senior at the publishers.
Still a fantastic read after more than a century, 21 Sep 2008
This book was quite unlike any I had previously read. While it was written in 1859 it is still - almost 150 years later - a book as gripping as it presumably was all those years ago for Victorian and Edwardian readers brought up on such spooky classics as Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Dracula and Frankenstein.
Told in the form of letters and diaries of the different characters involved it unfolds bit by bit and keeps you guessing right up until the very end. Collins's characters seem to come alive and make a lasting impression. As a thriller it easily beats many modern-day thrillers and really does have an unequalled air of menace and threat. Despite its age it is immensely readable and is a true page turner. Simply a must!
Sensational, 28 Mar 2008
For me what makes this novel great is not the love story between the social rising Walter Hartright and childish stereotypical heroine Laura Fairlie. Instead it is the depiction of the intelligent and brilliant Marian Halcombe and the wonderfully evil Count Fosco that reveals Collins' true writing talent. The speeches of these characters reveal feminist and social criticism adding an interesting dimension to the novel.
The plot itself is well constructed and the series of narrators makes the novel interesting and varied. The text is full of plot twists and is at times shocking, typical of sensation fiction. Admittedly some portions are a little tedious but I would definitely recommend reading this book.
Yaaaaawwwwnnn, 27 Mar 2008
This book is the most rambling, tiresome thing i have ever had the displeasure of reading. I finished it only because it was on my A level syllabus. Avoid like the plague
Excellent read., 25 Mar 2008
I started reading this with low expectations and for the first 200 pages I was bored stiff. However...almost halfway through the book the action really starts and all of a sudden I was taking great interest. It's then that all those boring details started to come into their own and it all made sence. Somewhere between page 200 and 300 the book becomes impossible to put down! The twists were unpredictable and *gasp* worthy! In fact I am quite certain this will be one of those rare books I end up reading a second time but with greater appreciation for the start. I am also going to read some other of Wilkie Collins' books in future. Can't wait to see what else is to be found.
This book is well worth anyones time READ IT!
Brilliant book! Completely unpredictable, 07 Jan 2008
It took me a few pages to get into this book but after that I enjoyed it very much.
The book is extremely good and it's very unpredictable. Whenever you think you know what's going to happen next something completely different happens.
I haven't seen any of the other copies of this book so I can't comment on them but if you are going to buy this one (Oxford World's Classics) then I would because the paper wasn't to thin and cheap and also it wasn't badly printed.
Don't be put off by the size it is well worth reading! I would recommend this book.
My favourite book, by a distance., 10 Oct 2008
If you have not read this book, read it. Now. I have read it many times, and it keeps getting better. Stoker's descriptive language is wonderful, painting such a vivid picture in the reader's mind that you really feel like you are there. It is such a shame that nowadays no-one can read it without already knowing Dracula's identity, as Stoker builds the tension masterfully.
Do not watch Dracula films, read this book. You develop empathy with all the characters, and learn to admire the peerless Van Helsing.
A wonderful book, worthy of more than 5 stars.
Best Gothic novel yet written., 12 Feb 2008
For he who has seen the movies, yet never read the novel, I truly pity that person. The 1931 movie was quite a disgrace to the novel, and although I am certain that Stoker is not rolling in his grave ever since the early thirties, I am sure that the novel is nothing like any of the many movies you might have seen.
Written in 1897 by one of the greatest authors, Dracula is a timeless masterpiece that can only be enjoyed to its maximum when read, and not listened to by another reader (i.e. audiobook etc.)
Each character, from John, Lucy, Jonathan, Van Helsing, and the many other characters have their own personalities entirely, and each have their own thoughts.
The book is written as a collection of each character's journal entries, (other than Dracula and Reinfield's,) and begins much more interestingly than any movie.
For the most part, I think the reader should know that it was Jonathan Harker who first went to see Dracula, not Reinfield as the 1931 movie portrays.
Dracula did not actually wear a cape in the book, but that does not mean he wasn't as Gothic as the movies portray.
One must wonder how vampires are associated with erotica in modern times, for the book did not contain any such. I presume that idea only came from the head of one Ann Rice.
One might start reading the book being on Dracula's side, and hoping Dracula will win in the end, but by the time you are on the last few chapters you will despise Dracula.
Stoker knew how to make anything sound morbid and frightening; snow, for example, in this novel, like in the short story `Dracula's guest' also by Stoker, seemed to get the reader into a feeling of terror and clusterphobia.
I had read this novel for five hours strait without knowing the exact hour, and the whole time I had not one dull moment.
Of the many novels I have read, I think few compare to the brilliancy of this particular one.
When one is done with this book, they will ask themselves `is this story fiction, or not? It seemed so real, so sorrowful, and so macabre.'
Stoker obviously did much research on many things such as zoophugus' and such.
A great novel by a great author.
Recommended for fans of Poe, Shelley, Konstantinos, and any Gothic literature admirer.
If you have still not seen any Dracula movie, I suggest read the novel, then watch the movie. You shall probably not enjoy the movie at all after such a great novel.
I give this ten out of five stars.
Quite simply the best book I've ever read, 18 Oct 2007
Get ready to be teleported back in time to the late 1800's. Bram takes you there, puts you in Dracula's Castle and scares the living daylight out of you.
Hooked!
Worthy of the classic status, 18 Oct 2007
Dracula is a name you will encounter all through your life, whether you've read the book or not. Due to this I had huge misconceptions as to what the story may be.
High on atmosphere and storytelling, the book is part medical drama, part mystery, part horror. Dracula himself doesn't feature perhaps as highly as you'd expect but this makes him all the more frightening.
It's not perfect, there are some slow, drawn out sections. On the whole I would make sure you read Dracula at least once in your lifetime, if only to correct your misconceptions.
"For the dead travel fast", 05 Sep 2007
Surprisingly "Denn die Toten reiten schnell" or "For the dead travel fast" is more than an opening line to this tale of love in the dangerous moon light. After watching several Drac movies and a few Nosferatu's, I pretty much though I had a handle on the genera. Little did I know what a wonderful world of mystery and suspense that Bram Stoker opened up for me.
The story is told mostly third party though the papers, diaries, and phonograph recordings (on wax calendars) of those people involve in a tale so bizarre that it almost defies belief. The general story line is that of a Count that plans to move to a more urban setting (from Borgo Pass to London) where there is a richer diet. There he finds succulent women; something he can sing his teeth in. Unfortunately for him a gang of ruffians (including a real-estate agent, asylum director, Texas cowboy and an Old Dutch abnormal psychologist) is out to detour his nocturnal munching. They think they have Drac on the run but with a wing and a prayer he is always one step ahead.
Of more value to the reader is the rich prose chosen by Stoker as he describes the morals and technology of the time. We have to come to grips with or decide if we can perform the rituals that are required to eliminate vampires verses the impropriety of opening graves and staking loved ones. The powers in the book differ from the movie versions in that they are more of persuasion and capabilities to manipulate the local weather. At one point the Dutch Dr. Van Helsing, is so overwhelmed by a beautiful vampire laying in the grave that he almost for gets why he is there and may become vamp chow.
All in all the story is more in the cunning chase. And the question as to will they succeed or will Dracula triumph. Remember "For the dead travel fast."
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Customer Reviews
got it, 20 Nov 2008
just got it will start reading soon :)
i got into a few lines and its quite addictive, niceee :D
Pretty good, 28 Sep 2008
I bought this recently, having never read (but often heard about) Lovecraft and the Cthulhu Mythos.
I'm only about a third of the way through, but it seems pretty good (although the author does seem to have swallowed a thesaurus - and a particularly gibbous and over-nourished one at that, most likely recovered from some Stygian Pit that the mortal mind was not meant to know of). Plus, he does have some rather - ahem - "old fashioned" attitudes to race and class that can seem rather jarring to a modern reader.
This particular edition also does, unfortunately, have a number of typos in the text, some of which ("Necroriomicon", "clay" instead of "day", and "Gthulhu") suggest to me that the publishers had the original text scanned and digitised, but imperfectly. (I'm keeping a note of them as I find them, and will inform the publishers when I've finished the book).
Still, all said, I don't regret getting the book, and if you don't mind those faults, I'd certainly recommend this to anyone interested in the genera.
Just as I remembered!!, 14 Sep 2008
Excellent, worth the wait!! I remember reading this as a child, it's just as good as I remembered. Real Classic stuff!!
I recommend it to anyone looking for some good old creepy stories.
JOIN THE DARKSIDE!!!!, 19 Jul 2008
What can i say that already hasn't been said.
This is truly awesome, a complete collection of lovecraft in a well bound casebound book with faux Leather cover, in black.
All your favorites are there. If you're a real lovecraft fan this is deffinately for you.
And for a very reasanoble price.
100% recommended, buy now & join us on a truly Dark venture into the world of the one & the only H.P.lovecraft
Beautifully produced edition, but -2 stars for horrible tacky price sticker on the back, 28 Jun 2008
Finally a beautifully produced and complete edition of H.P. Lovecraft's works, but whoever at Gollancz/Orion decided to spoil each book with a tacky price sticker - not even put on straight - that leaves a sticky residue when removed (and believe me, it's tenacious) should be punished by the elder gods, or at least someone senior at the publishers.
Still a fantastic read after more than a century, 21 Sep 2008
This book was quite unlike any I had previously read. While it was written in 1859 it is still - almost 150 years later - a book as gripping as it presumably was all those years ago for Victorian and Edwardian readers brought up on such spooky classics as Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Dracula and Frankenstein.
Told in the form of letters and diaries of the different characters involved it unfolds bit by bit and keeps you guessing right up until the very end. Collins's characters seem to come alive and make a lasting impression. As a thriller it easily beats many modern-day thrillers and really does have an unequalled air of menace and threat. Despite its age it is immensely readable and is a true page turner. Simply a must!
Sensational, 28 Mar 2008
For me what makes this novel great is not the love story between the social rising Walter Hartright and childish stereotypical heroine Laura Fairlie. Instead it is the depiction of the intelligent and brilliant Marian Halcombe and the wonderfully evil Count Fosco that reveals Collins' true writing talent. The speeches of these characters reveal feminist and social criticism adding an interesting dimension to the novel.
The plot itself is well constructed and the series of narrators makes the novel interesting and varied. The text is full of plot twists and is at times shocking, typical of sensation fiction. Admittedly some portions are a little tedious but I would definitely recommend reading this book.
Yaaaaawwwwnnn, 27 Mar 2008
This book is the most rambling, tiresome thing i have ever had the displeasure of reading. I finished it only because it was on my A level syllabus. Avoid like the plague
Excellent read., 25 Mar 2008
I started reading this with low expectations and for the first 200 pages I was bored stiff. However...almost halfway through the book the action really starts and all of a sudden I was taking great interest. It's then that all those boring details started to come into their own and it all made sence. Somewhere between page 200 and 300 the book becomes impossible to put down! The twists were unpredictable and *gasp* worthy! In fact I am quite certain this will be one of those rare books I end up reading a second time but with greater appreciation for the start. I am also going to read some other of Wilkie Collins' books in future. Can't wait to see what else is to be found.
This book is well worth anyones time READ IT!
Brilliant book! Completely unpredictable, 07 Jan 2008
It took me a few pages to get into this book but after that I enjoyed it very much.
The book is extremely good and it's very unpredictable. Whenever you think you know what's going to happen next something completely different happens.
I haven't seen any of the other copies of this book so I can't comment on them but if you are going to buy this one (Oxford World's Classics) then I would because the paper wasn't to thin and cheap and also it wasn't badly printed.
Don't be put off by the size it is well worth reading! I would recommend this book.
My favourite book, by a distance., 10 Oct 2008
If you have not read this book, read it. Now. I have read it many times, and it keeps getting better. Stoker's descriptive language is wonderful, painting such a vivid picture in the reader's mind that you really feel like you are there. It is such a shame that nowadays no-one can read it without already knowing Dracula's identity, as Stoker builds the tension masterfully.
Do not watch Dracula films, read this book. You develop empathy with all the characters, and learn to admire the peerless Van Helsing.
A wonderful book, worthy of more than 5 stars.
Best Gothic novel yet written., 12 Feb 2008
For he who has seen the movies, yet never read the novel, I truly pity that person. The 1931 movie was quite a disgrace to the novel, and although I am certain that Stoker is not rolling in his grave ever since the early thirties, I am sure that the novel is nothing like any of the many movies you might have seen.
Written in 1897 by one of the greatest authors, Dracula is a timeless masterpiece that can only be enjoyed to its maximum when read, and not listened to by another reader (i.e. audiobook etc.)
Each character, from John, Lucy, Jonathan, Van Helsing, and the many other characters have their own personalities entirely, and each have their own thoughts.
The book is written as a collection of each character's journal entries, (other than Dracula and Reinfield's,) and begins much more interestingly than any movie.
For the most part, I think the reader should know that it was Jonathan Harker who first went to see Dracula, not Reinfield as the 1931 movie portrays.
Dracula did not actually wear a cape in the book, but that does not mean he wasn't as Gothic as the movies portray.
One must wonder how vampires are associated with erotica in modern times, for the book did not contain any such. I presume that idea only came from the head of one Ann Rice.
One might start reading the book being on Dracula's side, and hoping Dracula will win in the end, but by the time you are on the last few chapters you will despise Dracula.
Stoker knew how to make anything sound morbid and frightening; snow, for example, in this novel, like in the short story `Dracula's guest' also by Stoker, seemed to get the reader into a feeling of terror and clusterphobia.
I had read this novel for five hours strait without knowing the exact hour, and the whole time I had not one dull moment.
Of the many novels I have read, I think few compare to the brilliancy of this particular one.
When one is done with this book, they will ask themselves `is this story fiction, or not? It seemed so real, so sorrowful, and so macabre.'
Stoker obviously did much research on many things such as zoophugus' and such.
A great novel by a great author.
Recommended for fans of Poe, Shelley, Konstantinos, and any Gothic literature admirer.
If you have still not seen any Dracula movie, I suggest read the novel, then watch the movie. You shall probably not enjoy the movie at all after such a great novel.
I give this ten out of five stars.
Quite simply the best book I've ever read, 18 Oct 2007
Get ready to be teleported back in time to the late 1800's. Bram takes you there, puts you in Dracula's Castle and scares the living daylight out of you.
Hooked!
Worthy of the classic status, 18 Oct 2007
Dracula is a name you will encounter all through your life, whether you've read the book or not. Due to this I had huge misconceptions as to what the story may be.
High on atmosphere and storytelling, the book is part medical drama, part mystery, part horror. Dracula himself doesn't feature perhaps as highly as you'd expect but this makes him all the more frightening.
It's not perfect, there are some slow, drawn out sections. On the whole I would make sure you read Dracula at least once in your lifetime, if only to correct your misconceptions.
"For the dead travel fast", 05 Sep 2007
Surprisingly "Denn die Toten reiten schnell" or "For the dead travel fast" is more than an opening line to this tale of love in the dangerous moon light. After watching several Drac movies and a few Nosferatu's, I pretty much though I had a handle on the genera. Little did I know what a wonderful world of mystery and suspense that Bram Stoker opened up for me.
The story is told mostly third party though the papers, diaries, and phonograph recordings (on wax calendars) of those people involve in a tale so bizarre that it almost defies belief. The general story line is that of a Count that plans to move to a more urban setting (from Borgo Pass to London) where there is a richer diet. There he finds succulent women; something he can sing his teeth in. Unfortunately for him a gang of ruffians (including a real-estate agent, asylum director, Texas cowboy and an Old Dutch abnormal psychologist) is out to detour his nocturnal munching. They think they have Drac on the run but with a wing and a prayer he is always one step ahead.
Of more value to the reader is the rich prose chosen by Stoker as he describes the morals and technology of the time. We have to come to grips with or decide if we can perform the rituals that are required to eliminate vampires verses the impropriety of opening graves and staking loved ones. The powers in the book differ from the movie versions in that they are more of persuasion and capabilities to manipulate the local weather. At one point the Dutch Dr. Van Helsing, is so overwhelmed by a beautiful vampire laying in the grave that he almost for gets why he is there and may become vamp chow.
All in all the story is more in the cunning chase. And the question as to will they succeed or will Dracula triumph. Remember "For the dead travel fast."
For the completeists..., 17 Nov 2008
This is essential to get all of Lovecraft's stories.
For some reason, the three excellent omnibuses (omnibi ?)('Omnibus 1: At the Mountains of Madness and Other Novels of Terror', 'Omnibus 2: Dagon and Other Macabre Tales' and 'Omnibus 3: Haunter of the Dark and Other Tales') don't include the short story 'Cool Air'.
These four books together are the complete stories.
Amazing stuff from the Master of Horror, 30 Aug 2007
Forget Stephen King, Lovecraft IS the true master of horror.
Ok, some stories may be just oniric ramblings like Celephais or Festival, but never has anyone scared me so much over so few pages and for every lemon of a story there are four peaches, and that is good trade off.
Even though Lovecraft draws on monsters and phantastical creatures to conduct his stories, it is more often than not the consequences and the implications of their existence rather than the creatures themselves that create the sense of fear when reading the stories.
And again, in contrast with Stephen King, a 400 page novel cannot be scary nearly by definition. But condense it all on 12 and simply do not read them before switching off the light, after all, beware of the Whisperer in the Darkness...
Great varied collection, 19 Jul 2007
This collection contains some quite different stories, from Arthur Jermyn (of opening paragraph fame: Life is a hideous thing), The Picture in the House (takes place in a modest and quiet New England farm house, but the mere sight of such dwellings always fills the author with extraordinary horror), Herbert West (eventually torn to pieces by legions newly out of the tomb lead by a certain resurrected Thing waxen head in hand orchestrating the ceremonious clawing asunder of the mad scientist responsible for animating their corpses) to the excellent and really uncanny "Whisperer in Darkness" and the unbelievable "The Shadow over Innsmouth". Well worth it.
Horror Fiction at it's finest, 20 Apr 2007
Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890-1937) is a name synonomous with most horror fiction fans; and one can easily see why once one reading the first few sentences of his beautiful prose.
Most of the stories contained in this teriffic compilation are of 'short' veriety - with some noticeably lengthier. They deal with all sorts of strange beasts and ideas; from creepy old men in the backwoods of New England, Zombies, unseen ghouls and massive god-like monsters.
Of course, these stories would hold up without the assistance of explanatary notes which occuply the end of this particular volume; however, editor ST Joshi's notes complement these stories brillinatly, providing an interesting backstory on some of the more curious passages, and offer exhaustive information on the inspiration for the fiction.
Joshi's introduction is also excellent, offering a short biography of Lovecraft's brief and tragic life.
Even though Lovecraft's fiction has been collected in various other volumes for dacades, this (along with 'Thing on the Doorstep' and 'Dreams in the Witch House') is the difinative version of the stories collected in this volume, and it will offer hours of reading pleasure.
Rather dull, 03 Oct 2006
Don't get me wrong, I think Lovecraft a talented writer able to create atmosphere and set the scene. For me though, the main problem is the stories themselves, they are just not terribly interesting, convincing or entertaining. I guess if you are a fan of MR James and the like you'll probably enjoy this. For myself, it all left me rather cold and with no great desire to read any more of his work.
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Dracula (Penguin Classics)
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Customer Reviews
got it, 20 Nov 2008
just got it will start reading soon :)
i got into a few lines and its quite addictive, niceee :D
Pretty good, 28 Sep 2008
I bought this recently, having never read (but often heard about) Lovecraft and the Cthulhu Mythos.
I'm only about a third of the way through, but it seems pretty good (although the author does seem to have swallowed a thesaurus - and a particularly gibbous and over-nourished one at that, most likely recovered from some Stygian Pit that the mortal mind was not meant to know of). Plus, he does have some rather - ahem - "old fashioned" attitudes to race and class that can seem rather jarring to a modern reader.
This particular edition also does, unfortunately, have a number of typos in the text, some of which ("Necroriomicon", "clay" instead of "day", and "Gthulhu") suggest to me that the publishers had the original text scanned and digitised, but imperfectly. (I'm keeping a note of them as I find them, and will inform the publishers when I've finished the book).
Still, all said, I don't regret getting the book, and if you don't mind those faults, I'd certainly recommend this to anyone interested in the genera.
Just as I remembered!!, 14 Sep 2008
Excellent, worth the wait!! I remember reading this as a child, it's just as good as I remembered. Real Classic stuff!!
I recommend it to anyone looking for some good old creepy stories.
JOIN THE DARKSIDE!!!!, 19 Jul 2008
What can i say that already hasn't been said.
This is truly awesome, a complete collection of lovecraft in a well bound casebound book with faux Leather cover, in black.
All your favorites are there. If you're a real lovecraft fan this is deffinately for you.
And for a very reasanoble price.
100% recommended, buy now & join us on a truly Dark venture into the world of the one & the only H.P.lovecraft
Beautifully produced edition, but -2 stars for horrible tacky price sticker on the back, 28 Jun 2008
Finally a beautifully produced and complete edition of H.P. Lovecraft's works, but whoever at Gollancz/Orion decided to spoil each book with a tacky price sticker - not even put on straight - that leaves a sticky residue when removed (and believe me, it's tenacious) should be punished by the elder gods, or at least someone senior at the publishers.
Still a fantastic read after more than a century, 21 Sep 2008
This book was quite unlike any I had previously read. While it was written in 1859 it is still - almost 150 years later - a book as gripping as it presumably was all those years ago for Victorian and Edwardian readers brought up on such spooky classics as Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Dracula and Frankenstein.
Told in the form of letters and diaries of the different characters involved it unfolds bit by bit and keeps you guessing right up until the very end. Collins's characters seem to come alive and make a lasting impression. As a thriller it easily beats many modern-day thrillers and really does have an unequalled air of menace and threat. Despite its age it is immensely readable and is a true page turner. Simply a must!
Sensational, 28 Mar 2008
For me what makes this novel great is not the love story between the social rising Walter Hartright and childish stereotypical heroine Laura Fairlie. Instead it is the depiction of the intelligent and brilliant Marian Halcombe and the wonderfully evil Count Fosco that reveals Collins' true writing talent. The speeches of these characters reveal feminist and social criticism adding an interesting dimension to the novel.
The plot itself is well constructed and the series of narrators makes the novel interesting and varied. The text is full of plot twists and is at times shocking, typical of sensation fiction. Admittedly some portions are a little tedious but I would definitely recommend reading this book.
Yaaaaawwwwnnn, 27 Mar 2008
This book is the most rambling, tiresome thing i have ever had the displeasure of reading. I finished it only because it was on my A level syllabus. Avoid like the plague
Excellent read., 25 Mar 2008
I started reading this with low expectations and for the first 200 pages I was bored stiff. However...almost halfway through the book the action really starts and all of a sudden I was taking great interest. It's then that all those boring details started to come into their own and it all made sence. Somewhere between page 200 and 300 the book becomes impossible to put down! The twists were unpredictable and *gasp* worthy! In fact I am quite certain this will be one of those rare books I end up reading a second time but with greater appreciation for the start. I am also going to read some other of Wilkie Collins' books in future. Can't wait to see what else is to be found.
This book is well worth anyones time READ IT!
Brilliant book! Completely unpredictable, 07 Jan 2008
It took me a few pages to get into this book but after that I enjoyed it very much.
The book is extremely good and it's very unpredictable. Whenever you think you know what's going to happen next something completely different happens.
I haven't seen any of the other copies of this book so I can't comment on them but if you are going to buy this one (Oxford World's Classics) then I would because the paper wasn't to thin and cheap and also it wasn't badly printed.
Don't be put off by the size it is well worth reading! I would recommend this book.
My favourite book, by a distance., 10 Oct 2008
If you have not read this book, read it. Now. I have read it many times, and it keeps getting better. Stoker's descriptive language is wonderful, painting such a vivid picture in the reader's mind that you really feel like you are there. It is such a shame that nowadays no-one can read it without already knowing Dracula's identity, as Stoker builds the tension masterfully.
Do not watch Dracula films, read this book. You develop empathy with all the characters, and learn to admire the peerless Van Helsing.
A wonderful book, worthy of more than 5 stars.
Best Gothic novel yet written., 12 Feb 2008
For he who has seen the movies, yet never read the novel, I truly pity that person. The 1931 movie was quite a disgrace to the novel, and although I am certain that Stoker is not rolling in his grave ever since the early thirties, I am sure that the novel is nothing like any of the many movies you might have seen.
Written in 1897 by one of the greatest authors, Dracula is a timeless masterpiece that can only be enjoyed to its maximum when read, and not listened to by another reader (i.e. audiobook etc.)
Each character, from John, Lucy, Jonathan, Van Helsing, and the many other characters have their own personalities entirely, and each have their own thoughts.
The book is written as a collection of each character's journal entries, (other than Dracula and Reinfield's,) and begins much more interestingly than any movie.
For the most part, I think the reader should know that it was Jonathan Harker who first went to see Dracula, not Reinfield as the 1931 movie portrays.
Dracula did not actually wear a cape in the book, but that does not mean he wasn't as Gothic as the movies portray.
One must wonder how vampires are associated with erotica in modern times, for the book did not contain any such. I presume that idea only came from the head of one Ann Rice.
One might start reading the book being on Dracula's side, and hoping Dracula will win in the end, but by the time you are on the last few chapters you will despise Dracula.
Stoker knew how to make anything sound morbid and frightening; snow, for example, in this novel, like in the short story `Dracula's guest' also by Stoker, seemed to get the reader into a feeling of terror and clusterphobia.
I had read this novel for five hours strait without knowing the exact hour, and the whole time I had not one dull moment.
Of the many novels I have read, I think few compare to the brilliancy of this particular one.
When one is done with this book, they will ask themselves `is this story fiction, or not? It seemed so real, so sorrowful, and so macabre.'
Stoker obviously did much research on many things such as zoophugus' and such.
A great novel by a great author.
Recommended for fans of Poe, Shelley, Konstantinos, and any Gothic literature admirer.
If you have still not seen any Dracula movie, I suggest read the novel, then watch the movie. You shall probably not enjoy the movie at all after such a great novel.
I give this ten out of five stars.
Quite simply the best book I've ever read, 18 Oct 2007
Get ready to be teleported back in time to the late 1800's. Bram takes you there, puts you in Dracula's Castle and scares the living daylight out of you.
Hooked!
Worthy of the classic status, 18 Oct 2007
Dracula is a name you will encounter all through your life, whether you've read the book or not. Due to this I had huge misconceptions as to what the story may be.
High on atmosphere and storytelling, the book is part medical drama, part mystery, part horror. Dracula himself doesn't feature perhaps as highly as you'd expect but this makes him all the more frightening.
It's not perfect, there are some slow, drawn out sections. On the whole I would make sure you read Dracula at least once in your lifetime, if only to correct your misconceptions.
"For the dead travel fast", 05 Sep 2007
Surprisingly "Denn die Toten reiten schnell" or "For the dead travel fast" is more than an opening line to this tale of love in the dangerous moon light. After watching several Drac movies and a few Nosferatu's, I pretty much though I had a handle on the genera. Little did I know what a wonderful world of mystery and suspense that Bram Stoker opened up for me.
The story is told mostly third party though the papers, diaries, and phonograph recordings (on wax calendars) of those people involve in a tale so bizarre that it almost defies belief. The general story line is that of a Count that plans to move to a more urban setting (from Borgo Pass to London) where there is a richer diet. There he finds succulent women; something he can sing his teeth in. Unfortunately for him a gang of ruffians (including a real-estate agent, asylum director, Texas cowboy and an Old Dutch abnormal psychologist) is out to detour his nocturnal munching. They think they have Drac on the run but with a wing and a prayer he is always one step ahead.
Of more value to the reader is the rich prose chosen by Stoker as he describes the morals and technology of the time. We have to come to grips with or decide if we can perform the rituals that are required to eliminate vampires verses the impropriety of opening graves and staking loved ones. The powers in the book differ from the movie versions in that they are more of persuasion and capabilities to manipulate the local weather. At one point the Dutch Dr. Van Helsing, is so overwhelmed by a beautiful vampire laying in the grave that he almost for gets why he is there and may become vamp chow.
All in all the story is more in the cunning chase. And the question as to will they succeed or will Dracula triumph. Remember "For the dead travel fast."
For the completeists..., 17 Nov 2008
This is essential to get all of Lovecraft's stories.
For some reason, the three excellent omnibuses (omnibi ?)('Omnibus 1: At the Mountains of Madness and Other Novels of Terror', 'Omnibus 2: Dagon and Other Macabre Tales' and 'Omnibus 3: Haunter of the Dark and Other Tales') don't include the short story 'Cool Air'.
These four books together are the complete stories.
Amazing stuff from the Master of Horror, 30 Aug 2007
Forget Stephen King, Lovecraft IS the true master of horror.
Ok, some stories may be just oniric ramblings like Celephais or Festival, but never has anyone scared me so much over so few pages and for every lemon of a story there are four peaches, and that is good trade off.
Even though Lovecraft draws on monsters and phantastical creatures to conduct his stories, it is more often than not the consequences and the implications of their existence rather than the creatures themselves that create the sense of fear when reading the stories.
And again, in contrast with Stephen King, a 400 page novel cannot be scary nearly by definition. But condense it all on 12 and simply do not read them before switching off the light, after all, beware of the Whisperer in the Darkness...
Great varied collection, 19 Jul 2007
This collection contains some quite different stories, from Arthur Jermyn (of opening paragraph fame: Life is a hideous thing), The Picture in the House (takes place in a modest and quiet New England farm house, but the mere sight of such dwellings always fills the author with extraordinary horror), Herbert West (eventually torn to pieces by legions newly out of the tomb lead by a certain resurrected Thing waxen head in hand orchestrating the ceremonious clawing asunder of the mad scientist responsible for animating their corpses) to the excellent and really uncanny "Whisperer in Darkness" and the unbelievable "The Shadow over Innsmouth". Well worth it.
Horror Fiction at it's finest, 20 Apr 2007
Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890-1937) is a name synonomous with most horror fiction fans; and one can easily see why once one reading the first few sentences of his beautiful prose.
Most of the stories contained in this teriffic compilation are of 'short' veriety - with some noticeably lengthier. They deal with all sorts of strange beasts and ideas; from creepy old men in the backwoods of New England, Zombies, unseen ghouls and massive god-like monsters.
Of course, these stories would hold up without the assistance of explanatary notes which occuply the end of this particular volume; however, editor ST Joshi's notes complement these stories brillinatly, providing an interesting backstory on some of the more curious passages, and offer exhaustive information on the inspiration for the fiction.
Joshi's introduction is also excellent, offering a short biography of Lovecraft's brief and tragic life.
Even though Lovecraft's fiction has been collected in various other volumes for dacades, this (along with 'Thing on the Doorstep' and 'Dreams in the Witch House') is the difinative version of the stories collected in this volume, and it will offer hours of reading pleasure.
Rather dull, 03 Oct 2006
Don't get me wrong, I think Lovecraft a talented writer able to create atmosphere and set the scene. For me though, the main problem is the stories themselves, they are just not terribly interesting, convincing or entertaining. I guess if you are a fan of MR James and the like you'll probably enjoy this. For myself, it all left me rather cold and with no great desire to read any more of his work.
Grippingly Classic Horror and Engagingly Well-Written Literature, 18 Aug 2008
Bram Stoker's gothic thriller, is a dark supernatural horror story that we all know and even if we didn't, draws on all the innate archetypes of fear. The story unfolds for all the human protagonists in apparent innocence, however any disbelief soon is swept away by the horror that they face. Written in diary form, Stoker is able to allow each to describe their own thoughts and fears.
Written over a century ago, Dracula remains as gripping as anything current and indeed more so. Difficult to put down such a tale and yet, well-written. Plumbing the depths of fears of an ever-proliferating foe of seemingly invincible strength, somehow Stoker also evokes in the Vampire hunters human emotions of sadness, hope, despair and courage and yet, seems to do this effortlessly and un-selfconsciously.
This is truly a classic novel which I'd recommend to any lover of such, whether interested in horror fiction or not.
Masterpiece, 14 Jan 2008
Bram Stoker's masterpiece is a timeless classic and is still highly recommended even though it's over 100 years old. This was the book which started modern horror fiction and gave birth to vampire mythology. Stoker spend six years assiduously researching this book, which is evident in the staggering detail of the world and characters. It's finely crafted story, writing narrative and eloquent prose (though aged, is unparalleled today), will delight many fans of fiction and especially, fans of vampires.
This book will remain with you for many years after reading. Highly recommended.
Complete and unabridged, 25 Oct 2007
My expectation before starting the book was plenty of rather dull, verbose rambling, interspersed with passages which were thrilling and unsettling. However, during the opening few chapters I was utterly drawn in to a ceaselessly intriguing and exciting story. I couldn't believe that the rest of the tale would be so well-paced and relentlessly chilling.
Sadly, it isn't. The opening chapters give the reader some momentum to trudge through the overly long middle section, where there exist a few highlights (A ghost-ship, a lunatic with some very strange habits, a couple of "bites") which aid the story to sputter to the final section, a chase across Europe with, frankly, a rushed ending, and more than enough emotional and religious claptrap for everybody along the way.
However, the style of writing from a variety of different perspectives is enthralling, and it is easy to see why this is a "classic", and though I would certainly recommend an abridged version for the less patient, or younger reader (the pacing would pale beside today's thrillers), its strong start, charming style and intrigue are enough to sate one's literary thirst. For now....
"For the dead travel fast", 16 Sep 2007
Surprisingly "Denn die Toten reiten schnell" or "For the dead travel fast" is more than an opening line to this tale of love in the dangerous moon light. After watching several Drac movies and a few Nosferatu's, I pretty much though I had a handle on the genera. Little did I know what a wonderful world of mystery and suspense that Bram Stoker opened up for me.
The story is told mostly third party though the papers, diaries, and phonograph recordings (on wax calendars) of those people involve in a tale so bizarre that it almost defies belief. The general story line is that of a Count that plans to move to a more urban setting (from Borgo Pass to London) where there is a richer diet. There he finds succulent women; something he can sing his teeth in. Unfortunately for him a gang of ruffians (including a real-estate agent, asylum director, Texas cowboy and an Old Dutch abnormal psychologist) is out to detour his nocturnal munching. They think they have Drac on the run but with a wing and a prayer he is always one step ahead.
Of more value to the reader is the rich prose chosen by Stoker as he describes the morals and technology of the time. We have to come to grips with or decide if we can perform the rituals that are required to eliminate vampires verses the impropriety of opening graves and staking loved ones. The powers in the book differ from the movie versions in that they are more of persuasion and capabilities to manipulate the local weather. At one point the Dutch Dr. Van Helsing, is so overwhelmed by a beautiful vampire laying in the grave that he almost for gets why he is there and may become vamp chow.
All in all the story is more in the cunning chase. And the question as to will they succeed or will Dracula triumph. Remember "For the dead travel fast."
An old favourite; classy, compelling but with old-fashioned pacing, 21 Aug 2007
Because the general story of Dracula is so well known, it's easy to think that you'll know all of what's going to happen when you read the original by Bram Stoker. In fact, much of what is in the book is far more pschologically threatening than in any of the gore-fest films we've all seen. Stoker's Dracula is genuinely, breath-takingly menacing... and beyond redemption.
With Dracula you get well drawn characters relating their ghastly experiences, and you're not spoon-fed the narrative -- you have to join some of the dots yourself. There is a dark, sensual overtone to much of the novel (which puts many modern authors, who turn their books into total shag-fests, completely in the shade!), and a complete horror when Dracula is fully revealed.
But there are some downsides. The novel bogs down in the mid-section. The language is of its time -- so it takes careful reading if you're used to modern horror gallop-along novels. And much of the fear and loathing develops in the mind of the reader, not from over-wrought narrative.
So to get the most from Dracula you need to take your time reading it, and put some effort in.
If you prefer your thrills to be a little easier to access then I'd recommend Stephen King's 'Salem's Lot', or watch the film with Gary Oldman. They're not as pure as the original, but they do justice to the concept.
I first read Dracula when I was 14 or so, and it's just as scary now that I'm 40!
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Customer Reviews
got it, 20 Nov 2008
just got it will start reading soon :)
i got into a few lines and its quite addictive, niceee :D
Pretty good, 28 Sep 2008
I bought this recently, having never read (but often heard about) Lovecraft and the Cthulhu Mythos.
I'm only about a third of the way through, but it seems pretty good (although the author does seem to have swallowed a thesaurus - and a particularly gibbous and over-nourished one at that, most likely recovered from some Stygian Pit that the mortal mind was not meant to know of). Plus, he does have some rather - ahem - "old fashioned" attitudes to race and class that can seem rather jarring to a modern reader.
This particular edition also does, unfortunately, have a number of typos in the text, some of which ("Necroriomicon", "clay" instead of "day", and "Gthulhu") suggest to me that the publishers had the original text scanned and digitised, but imperfectly. (I'm keeping a note of them as I find them, and will inform the publishers when I've finished the book).
Still, all said, I don't regret getting the book, and if you don't mind those faults, I'd certainly recommend this to anyone interested in the genera.
Just as I remembered!!, 14 Sep 2008
Excellent, worth the wait!! I remember reading this as a child, it's just as good as I remembered. Real Classic stuff!!
I recommend it to anyone looking for some good old creepy stories.
JOIN THE DARKSIDE!!!!, 19 Jul 2008
What can i say that already hasn't been said.
This is truly awesome, a complete collection of lovecraft in a well bound casebound book with faux Leather cover, in black.
All your favorites are there. If you're a real lovecraft fan this is deffinately for you.
And for a very reasanoble price.
100% recommended, buy now & join us on a truly Dark venture into the world of the one & the only H.P.lovecraft
Beautifully produced edition, but -2 stars for horrible tacky price sticker on the back, 28 Jun 2008
Finally a beautifully produced and complete edition of H.P. Lovecraft's works, but whoever at Gollancz/Orion decided to spoil each book with a tacky price sticker - not even put on straight - that leaves a sticky residue when removed (and believe me, it's tenacious) should be punished by the elder gods, or at least someone senior at the publishers.
Still a fantastic read after more than a century, 21 Sep 2008
This book was quite unlike any I had previously read. While it was written in 1859 it is still - almost 150 years later - a book as gripping as it presumably was all those years ago for Victorian and Edwardian readers brought up on such spooky classics as Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Dracula and Frankenstein.
Told in the form of letters and diaries of the different characters involved it unfolds bit by bit and keeps you guessing right up until the very end. Collins's characters seem to come alive and make a lasting impression. As a thriller it easily beats many modern-day thrillers and really does have an unequalled air of menace and threat. Despite its age it is immensely readable and is a true page turner. Simply a must!
Sensational, 28 Mar 2008
For me what makes this novel great is not the love story between the social rising Walter Hartright and childish stereotypical heroine Laura Fairlie. Instead it is the depiction of the intelligent and brilliant Marian Halcombe and the wonderfully evil Count Fosco that reveals Collins' true writing talent. The speeches of these characters reveal feminist and social criticism adding an interesting dimension to the novel.
The plot itself is well constructed and the series of narrators makes the novel interesting and varied. The text is full of plot twists and is at times shocking, typical of sensation fiction. Admittedly some portions are a little tedious but I would definitely recommend reading this book.
Yaaaaawwwwnnn, 27 Mar 2008
This book is the most rambling, tiresome thing i have ever had the displeasure of reading. I finished it only because it was on my A level syllabus. Avoid like the plague
Excellent read., 25 Mar 2008
I started reading this with low expectations and for the first 200 pages I was bored stiff. However...almost halfway through the book the action really starts and all of a sudden I was taking great interest. It's then that all those boring details started to come into their own and it all made sence. Somewhere between page 200 and 300 the book becomes impossible to put down! The twists were unpredictable and *gasp* worthy! In fact I am quite certain this will be one of those rare books I end up reading a second time but with greater appreciation for the start. I am also going to read some other of Wilkie Collins' books in future. Can't wait to see what else is to be found.
This book is well worth anyones time READ IT!
Brilliant book! Completely unpredictable, 07 Jan 2008
It took me a few pages to get into this book but after that I enjoyed it very much.
The book is extremely good and it's very unpredictable. Whenever you think you know what's going to happen next something completely different happens.
I haven't seen any of the other copies of this book so I can't comment on them but if you are going to buy this one (Oxford World's Classics) then I would because the paper wasn't to thin and cheap and also it wasn't badly printed.
Don't be put off by the size it is well worth reading! I would recommend this book.
My favourite book, by a distance., 10 Oct 2008
If you have not read this book, read it. Now. I have read it many times, and it keeps getting better. Stoker's descriptive language is wonderful, painting such a vivid picture in the reader's mind that you really feel like you are there. It is such a shame that nowadays no-one can read it without already knowing Dracula's identity, as Stoker builds the tension masterfully.
Do not watch Dracula films, read this book. You develop empathy with all the characters, and learn to admire the peerless Van Helsing.
A wonderful book, worthy of more than 5 stars.
Best Gothic novel yet written., 12 Feb 2008
For he who has seen the movies, yet never read the novel, I truly pity that person. The 1931 movie was quite a disgrace to the novel, and although I am certain that Stoker is not rolling in his grave ever since the early thirties, I am sure that the novel is nothing like any of the many movies you might have seen.
Written in 1897 by one of the greatest authors, Dracula is a timeless masterpiece that can only be enjoyed to its maximum when read, and not listened to by another reader (i.e. audiobook etc.)
Each character, from John, Lucy, Jonathan, Van Helsing, and the many other characters have their own personalities entirely, and each have their own thoughts.
The book is written as a collection of each character's journal entries, (other than Dracula and Reinfield's,) and begins much more interestingly than any movie.
For the most part, I think the reader should know that it was Jonathan Harker who first went to see Dracula, not Reinfield as the 1931 movie portrays.
Dracula did not actually wear a cape in the book, but that does not mean he wasn't as Gothic as the movies portray.
One must wonder how vampires are associated with erotica in modern times, for the book did not contain any such. I presume that idea only came from the head of one Ann Rice.
One might start reading the book being on Dracula's side, and hoping Dracula will win in the end, but by the time you are on the last few chapters you will despise Dracula.
Stoker knew how to make anything sound morbid and frightening; snow, for example, in this novel, like in the short story `Dracula's guest' also by Stoker, seemed to get the reader into a feeling of terror and clusterphobia.
I had read this novel for five hours strait without knowing the exact hour, and the whole time I had not one dull moment.
Of the many novels I have read, I think few compare to the brilliancy of this particular one.
When one is done with this book, they will ask themselves `is this story fiction, or not? It seemed so real, so sorrowful, and so macabre.'
Stoker obviously did much research on many things such as zoophugus' and such.
A great novel by a great author.
Recommended for fans of Poe, Shelley, Konstantinos, and any Gothic literature admirer.
If you have still not seen any Dracula movie, I suggest read the novel, then watch the movie. You shall probably not enjoy the movie at all after such a great novel.
I give this ten out of five stars.
Quite simply the best book I've ever read, 18 Oct 2007
Get ready to be teleported back in time to the late 1800's. Bram takes you there, puts you in Dracula's Castle and scares the living daylight out of you.
Hooked!
Worthy of the classic status, 18 Oct 2007
Dracula is a name you will encounter all through your life, whether you've read the book or not. Due to this I had huge misconceptions as to what the story may be.
High on atmosphere and storytelling, the book is part medical drama, part mystery, part horror. Dracula himself doesn't feature perhaps as highly as you'd expect but this makes him all the more frightening.
It's not perfect, there are some slow, drawn out sections. On the whole I would make sure you read Dracula at least once in your lifetime, if only to correct your misconceptions.
"For the dead travel fast", 05 Sep 2007
Surprisingly "Denn die Toten reiten schnell" or "For the dead travel fast" is more than an opening line to this tale of love in the dangerous moon light. After watching several Drac movies and a few Nosferatu's, I pretty much though I had a handle on the genera. Little did I know what a wonderful world of mystery and suspense that Bram Stoker opened up for me.
The story is told mostly third party though the papers, diaries, and phonograph recordings (on wax calendars) of those people involve in a tale so bizarre that it almost defies belief. The general story line is that of a Count that plans to move to a more urban setting (from Borgo Pass to London) where there is a richer diet. There he finds succulent women; something he can sing his teeth in. Unfortunately for him a gang of ruffians (including a real-estate agent, asylum director, Texas cowboy and an Old Dutch abnormal psychologist) is out to detour his nocturnal munching. They think they have Drac on the run but with a wing and a prayer he is always one step ahead.
Of more value to the reader is the rich prose chosen by Stoker as he describes the morals and technology of the time. We have to come to grips with or decide if we can perform the rituals that are required to eliminate vampires verses the impropriety of opening graves and staking loved ones. The powers in the book differ from the movie versions in that they are more of persuasion and capabilities to manipulate the local weather. At one point the Dutch Dr. Van Helsing, is so overwhelmed by a beautiful vampire laying in the grave that he almost for gets why he is there and may become vamp chow.
All in all the story is more in the cunning chase. And the question as to will they succeed or will Dracula triumph. Remember "For the dead travel fast."
For the completeists..., 17 Nov 2008
This is essential to get all of Lovecraft's stories.
For some reason, the three excellent omnibuses (omnibi ?)('Omnibus 1: At the Mountains of Madness and Other Novels of Terror', 'Omnibus 2: Dagon and Other Macabre Tales' and 'Omnibus 3: Haunter of the Dark and Other Tales') don't include the short story 'Cool Air'.
These four books together are the complete stories.
Amazing stuff from the Master of Horror, 30 Aug 2007
Forget Stephen King, Lovecraft IS the true master of horror.
Ok, some stories may be just oniric ramblings like Celephais or Festival, but never has anyone scared me so much over so few pages and for every lemon of a story there are four peaches, and that is good trade off.
Even though Lovecraft draws on monsters and phantastical creatures to conduct his stories, it is more often than not the consequences and the implications of their existence rather than the creatures themselves that create the sense of fear when reading the stories.
And again, in contrast with Stephen King, a 400 page novel cannot be scary nearly by definition. But condense it all on 12 and simply do not read them before switching off the light, after all, beware of the Whisperer in the Darkness...
Great varied collection, 19 Jul 2007
This collection contains some quite different stories, from Arthur Jermyn (of opening paragraph fame: Life is a hideous thing), The Picture in the House (takes place in a modest and quiet New England farm house, but the mere sight of such dwellings always fills the author with extraordinary horror), Herbert West (eventually torn to pieces by legions newly out of the tomb lead by a certain resurrected Thing waxen head in hand orchestrating the ceremonious clawing asunder of the mad scientist responsible for animating their corpses) to the excellent and really uncanny "Whisperer in Darkness" and the unbelievable "The Shadow over Innsmouth". Well worth it.
Horror Fiction at it's finest, 20 Apr 2007
Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890-1937) is a name synonomous with most horror fiction fans; and one can easily see why once one reading the first few sentences of his beautiful prose.
Most of the stories contained in this teriffic compilation are of 'short' veriety - with some noticeably lengthier. They deal with all sorts of strange beasts and ideas; from creepy old men in the backwoods of New England, Zombies, unseen ghouls and massive god-like monsters.
Of course, these stories would hold up without the assistance of explanatary notes which occuply the end of this particular volume; however, editor ST Joshi's notes complement these stories brillinatly, providing an interesting backstory on some of the more curious passages, and offer exhaustive information on the inspiration for the fiction.
Joshi's introduction is also excellent, offering a short biography of Lovecraft's brief and tragic life.
Even though Lovecraft's fiction has been collected in various other volumes for dacades, this (along with 'Thing on the Doorstep' and 'Dreams in the Witch House') is the difinative version of the stories collected in this volume, and it will offer hours of reading pleasure.
Rather dull, 03 Oct 2006
Don't get me wrong, I think Lovecraft a talented writer able to create atmosphere and set the scene. For me though, the main problem is the stories themselves, they are just not terribly interesting, convincing or entertaining. I guess if you are a fan of MR James and the like you'll probably enjoy this. For myself, it all left me rather cold and with no great desire to read any more of his work.
Grippingly Classic Horror and Engagingly Well-Written Literature, 18 Aug 2008
Bram Stoker's gothic thriller, is a dark supernatural horror story that we all know and even if we didn't, draws on all the innate archetypes of fear. The story unfolds for all the human protagonists in apparent innocence, however any disbelief soon is swept away by the horror that they face. Written in diary form, Stoker is able to allow each to describe their own thoughts and fears.
Written over a century ago, Dracula remains as gripping as anything current and indeed more so. Difficult to put down such a tale and yet, well-written. Plumbing the depths of fears of an ever-proliferating foe of seemingly invincible strength, somehow Stoker also evokes in the Vampire hunters human emotions of sadness, hope, despair and courage and yet, seems to do this effortlessly and un-selfconsciously.
This is truly a classic novel which I'd recommend to any lover of such, whether interested in horror fiction or not.
Masterpiece, 14 Jan 2008
Bram Stoker's masterpiece is a timeless classic and is still highly recommended even though it's over 100 years old. This was the book which started modern horror fiction and gave birth to vampire mythology. Stoker spend six years assiduously researching this book, which is evident in the staggering detail of the world and characters. It's finely crafted story, writing narrative and eloquent prose (though aged, is unparalleled today), will delight many fans of fiction and especially, fans of vampires.
This book will remain with you for many years after reading. Highly recommended.
Complete and unabridged, 25 Oct 2007
My expectation before starting the book was plenty of rather dull, verbose rambling, interspersed with passages which were thrilling and unsettling. However, during the opening few chapters I was utterly drawn in to a ceaselessly intriguing and exciting story. I couldn't believe that the rest of the tale would be so well-paced and relentlessly chilling.
Sadly, it isn't. The opening chapters give the reader some momentum to trudge through the overly long middle section, where there exist a few highlights (A ghost-ship, a lunatic with some very strange habits, a couple of "bites") which aid the story to sputter to the final section, a chase across Europe with, frankly, a rushed ending, and more than enough emotional and religious claptrap for everybody along the way.
However, the style of writing from a variety of different perspectives is enthralling, and it is easy to see why this is a "classic", and though I would certainly recommend an abridged version for the less patient, or younger reader (the pacing would pale beside today's thrillers), its strong start, charming style and intrigue are enough to sate one's literary thirst. For now....
"For the dead travel fast", 16 Sep 2007
Surprisingly "Denn die Toten reiten schnell" or "For the dead travel fast" is more than an opening line to this tale of love in the dangerous moon light. After watching several Drac movies and a few Nosferatu's, I pretty much though I had a handle on the genera. Little did I know what a wonderful world of mystery and suspense that Bram Stoker opened up for me.
The story is told mostly third party though the papers, diaries, and phonograph recordings (on wax calendars) of those people involve in a tale so bizarre that it almost defies belief. The general story line is that of a Count that plans to move to a more urban setting (from Borgo Pass to London) where there is a richer diet. There he finds succulent women; something he can sing his teeth in. Unfortunately for him a gang of ruffians (including a real-estate agent, asylum director, Texas cowboy and an Old Dutch abnormal psychologist) is out to detour his nocturnal munching. They think they have Drac on the run but with a wing and a prayer he is always one step ahead.
Of more value to the reader is the rich prose chosen by Stoker as he describes the morals and technology of the time. We have to come to grips with or decide if we can perform the rituals that are required to eliminate vampires verses the impropriety of opening graves and staking loved ones. The powers in the book differ from the movie versions in that they are more of persuasion and capabilities to manipulate the local weather. At one point the Dutch Dr. Van Helsing, is so overwhelmed by a beautiful vampire laying in the grave that he almost for gets why he is there and may become vamp chow.
All in all the story is more in the cunning chase. And the question as to will they succeed or will Dracula triumph. Remember "For the dead travel fast."
An old favourite; classy, compelling but with old-fashioned pacing, 21 Aug 2007
Because the general story of Dracula is so well known, it's easy to think that you'll know all of what's going to happen when you read the original by Bram Stoker. In fact, much of what is in the book is far more pschologically threatening than in any of the gore-fest films we've all seen. Stoker's Dracula is genuinely, breath-takingly menacing... and beyond redemption.
With Dracula you get well drawn characters relating their ghastly experiences, and you're not spoon-fed the narrative -- you have to join some of the dots yourself. There is a dark, sensual overtone to much of the novel (which puts many modern authors, who turn their books into total shag-fests, completely in the shade!), and a complete horror when Dracula is fully revealed.
But there are some downsides. The novel bogs down in the mid-section. The language is of its time -- so it takes careful reading if you're used to modern horror gallop-along novels. And much of the fear and loathing develops in the mind of the reader, not from over-wrought narrative.
So to get the most from Dracula you need to take your time reading it, and put some effort in.
If you prefer your thrills to be a little easier to access then I'd recommend Stephen King's 'Salem's Lot', or watch the film with Gary Oldman. They're not as pure as the original, but they do justice to the concept.
I first read Dracula when I was 14 or so, and it's just as scary now that I'm 40!
Not massively scary for the most part, but entertaining..., 25 Aug 2008
It's a somewhat uneducated cliché to say 'the old stuff ain't as scary', in an era where horror literature is far more explicit. I'm not an advocate of this school of thought however, proffering to be chilled by the likes of Le Fanu and James rather than grossed out. Dicken's ghost stories are, as the title suggests, stories about ghosts, but do not buy this under the misconception that they are all concocted purely to scare you, for they frequently have designs of a more esoteric nature than that.
'A Christmas Carol' is a morality tale, full of Dickens' often slated sentimentalism, which I nonetheless found infinitely enjoyable. Meanwhile 'The Ghosts Of The Mail' is almost like an adventure story, the likes of which we might expect from Washington Irving. Dickens seems determined to use the ghost story format to explore as many different emotions as possible, so some tales are comical, some sad, and yes some scary. One certainty is that all of the tales contained herein are very entertaining. Dickens' command of prose was, and still is, unmatched and he makes even the slightest details a source of great enjoyment with his profound sense of wit.
As such, I would label this a book of entertaining ghost stories rather than scary ghost stories, though there are exceptions to the rule. 'The Ghost In The Brides Chamber' is very chilling, not to mention rather sinister, and the frequently anthologised 'The Signalman' deserves its frequent 'contender for most chilling tale ever' accolade with absolute worthiness. Both of these tales share much in common with the works of Sheridan Le Fanu in their sense of escalation and presentation of inter-personal relationships, which is a charming comparison if ever there was one.
I'd say this is quite an essential collection, but I think it will appeal to fans of Dickens and/or 19th century literature in general first, ghost story enthusiasts second. It's not as intensely psychological or subtly chilling as many of the canonical authors in this genre, but the tales are so varied in style and effect that I don't consider this to be a negative criticism. What you have here is a collection of well written stories that never fail to being a smile upon ones face, and in light of that I'd thoroughly recommend this book.
Mixed bag, but includes some genuinely creepy stories, 21 Dec 2007
Like most collections of short stories, a bit of a maixed bag, though the positives predominate. The shorter stories (10-15 pagers) are best, esp. A Madman's Manuscript, The Ghost in the Bride's Chamber, Trial for Murder, and The Signalman, all of which are very atmospheric and quite creepy.
A Christmas Carol remains a timeless classic, and deserves to be the most famous ghost story in Western literature. The other longer ones I found disappointing: Haunted Man and Ghost's Bargain, a long one weighing in at 77 pages, I just found tedious and gave up on quite quickly. The Haunted House also was dull and lacking in atmosphere
A mixed bag, 05 Aug 2006
Here follows an overview of the contents of this volume, for your convenience:
The Queer Chair (The bagman's story) from The Pickwick Papers - extremely funny.
A Madman's Manuscript from The Pickwick Papers - one of the stories that influenced Edgar Allan Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart.
The Goblins who Stole a Sexton from The Pickwick Papers - the predecessor of A Christmas Carol.
The Ghosts of the Mail (The story of the bagman's uncle) from The Pickwick Papers - another funny story.
The Baron of Grogzwig from Nicholas Nickleby - a story that influenced Edgar Allan Poe's The Devil in the Belfry.
A Christmas Carol - no comment needed.
The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain - a haunting story about the value of suffering.
To be Read at Dusk - a pair of stories concerning dreams and visions.
The Ghost in the Bride's Chamber from The Lazy Tour of Two Idle Apprentices - a story about a ghost that is doomed to walk the earth for evermore.
The Haunted House - a pair of stories about a house that is haunted by the narrator's own self.
The Trial for Murder (To be taken with a grain of salt) - a story about a murdered man who comes back to see justice done.
The Signalman - No comment needed.
Twelve superb stories , 11 Jun 2006
Sooner or later , everyone in their lives will have come across Dickens's output . As I personally am an avid reader of Dickens's books , I was very much content with the purchase of this anthology of ghost stories . I believe that for they who have never had an opportunity to read any of this brilliant author's books , reading 'Ghost Stories ' will allow them to commend the creativity and singularity with which Dickens depicts his characters and narrate the social events that conditioned his life .
The volume consists of twelve ghost stories . Each story was extracted from a variety of sources . Some of them were extracted from material meant to be used for publication ; other ones were taken from Dickens's main novels .
Reading this book offers readers an opportunity to understand one of the main topic that had strong connotations during the author's lifetime : interest in supernatural phenomena .Each story reveals a different approach to supernatual phenomena . They who will have an opportunity to buy this book will notice how the ghosts depicted in each story are very different from one another : Dickens describes some of them with benevolent and sage attributes , such as the three Christmas Ghosts from the story ' A Christmas Carol ' ; on the other hand , other ghosts are narrated in a much gloomier way , such as the apparition from the story 'The Ghost in the Bride's chamber '. Yet , beyond the stories themselves , it's possible for the reader to trace a strong morale message that the author delivers through each of his stories , a message that reveals an unfathomable scepticism and condemnation of the popular practices as well as a possibility - as contadictory as it may seem - to take into consideration the existence of paranormal entities .
In conclusion , the above-mentioned anthology may represent a valid opportunity for many a reader : for readers who are already fond of Dickens's works , it may be an opportunity to find out a new side of the author's lifetime interest in supernatual phenomena ; for they who have never had a chance to become acquainted with Dickens's work , this book pontentially reprents a way for them to appreciate the author as well as it may be springboard to future readings .
the title says it all!, 05 May 2001
yep thats right. This book does really have the best ghost stories that send a shiver down your spine!if your a fan of ghost stories then this is the one for you!
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Customer Reviews
got it, 20 Nov 2008
just got it will start reading soon :)
i got into a few lines and its quite addictive, niceee :D
Pretty good, 28 Sep 2008
I bought this recently, having never read (but often heard about) Lovecraft and the Cthulhu Mythos.
I'm only about a third of the way through, but it seems pretty good (although the author does seem to have swallowed a thesaurus - and a particularly gibbous and over-nourished one at that, most likely recovered from some Stygian Pit that the mortal mind was not meant to know of). Plus, he does have some rather - ahem - "old fashioned" attitudes to race and class that can seem rather jarring to a modern reader.
This particular edition also does, unfortunately, have a number of typos in the text, some of which ("Necroriomicon", "clay" instead of "day", and "Gthulhu") suggest to me that the publishers had the original text scanned and digitised, but imperfectly. (I'm keeping a note of them as I find them, and will inform the publishers when I've finished the book).
Still, all said, I don't regret getting the book, and if you don't mind those faults, I'd certainly recommend this to anyone interested in the genera.
Just as I remembered!!, 14 Sep 2008
Excellent, worth the wait!! I remember reading this as a child, it's just as good as I remembered. Real Classic stuff!!
I recommend it to anyone looking for some good old creepy stories.
JOIN THE DARKSIDE!!!!, 19 Jul 2008
What can i say that already hasn't been said.
This is truly awesome, a complete collection of lovecraft in a well bound casebound book with faux Leather cover, in black.
All your favorites are there. If you're a real lovecraft fan this is deffinately for you.
And for a very reasanoble price.
100% recommended, buy now & join us on a truly Dark venture into the world of the one & the only H.P.lovecraft
Beautifully produced edition, but -2 stars for horrible tacky price sticker on the back, 28 Jun 2008
Finally a beautifully produced and complete edition of H.P. Lovecraft's works, but whoever at Gollancz/Orion decided to spoil each book with a tacky price sticker - not even put on straight - that leaves a sticky residue when removed (and believe me, it's tenacious) should be punished by the elder gods, or at least someone senior at the publishers.
Still a fantastic read after more than a century, 21 Sep 2008
This book was quite unlike any I had previously read. While it was written in 1859 it is still - almost 150 years later - a book as gripping as it presumably was all those years ago for Victorian and Edwardian readers brought up on such spooky classics as Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Dracula and Frankenstein.
Told in the form of letters and diaries of the different characters involved it unfolds bit by bit and keeps you guessing right up until the very end. Collins's characters seem to come alive and make a lasting impression. As a thriller it easily beats many modern-day thrillers and really does have an unequalled air of menace and threat. Despite its age it is immensely readable and is a true page turner. Simply a must!
Sensational, 28 Mar 2008
For me what makes this novel great is not the love story between the social rising Walter Hartright and childish stereotypical heroine Laura Fairlie. Instead it is the depiction of the intelligent and brilliant Marian Halcombe and the wonderfully evil Count Fosco that reveals Collins' true writing talent. The speeches of these characters reveal feminist and social criticism adding an interesting dimension to the novel.
The plot itself is well constructed and the series of narrators makes the novel interesting and varied. The text is full of plot twists and is at times shocking, typical of sensation fiction. Admittedly some portions are a little tedious but I would definitely recommend reading this book.
Yaaaaawwwwnnn, 27 Mar 2008
This book is the most rambling, tiresome thing i have ever had the displeasure of reading. I finished it only because it was on my A level syllabus. Avoid like the plague
Excellent read., 25 Mar 2008
I started reading this with low expectations and for the first 200 pages I was bored stiff. However...almost halfway through the book the action really starts and all of a sudden I was taking great interest. It's then that all those boring details started to come into their own and it all made sence. Somewhere between page 200 and 300 the book becomes impossible to put down! The twists were unpredictable and *gasp* worthy! In fact I am quite certain this will be one of those rare books I end up reading a second time but with greater appreciation for the start. I am also going to read some other of Wilkie Collins' books in future. Can't wait to see what else is to be found.
This book is well worth anyones time READ IT!
Brilliant book! Completely unpredictable, 07 Jan 2008
It took me a few pages to get into this book but after that I enjoyed it very much.
The book is extremely good and it's very unpredictable. Whenever you think you know what's going to happen next something completely different happens.
I haven't seen any of the other copies of this book so I can't comment on them but if you are going to buy this one (Oxford World's Classics) then I would because the paper wasn't to thin and cheap and also it wasn't badly printed.
Don't be put off by the size it is well worth reading! I would recommend this book.
My favourite book, by a distance., 10 Oct 2008
If you have not read this book, read it. Now. I have read it many times, and it keeps getting better. Stoker's descriptive language is wonderful, painting such a vivid picture in the reader's mind that you really feel like you are there. It is such a shame that nowadays no-one can read it without already knowing Dracula's identity, as Stoker builds the tension masterfully.
Do not watch Dracula films, read this book. You develop empathy with all the characters, and learn to admire the peerless Van Helsing.
A wonderful book, worthy of more than 5 stars.
Best Gothic novel yet written., 12 Feb 2008
For he who has seen the movies, yet never read the novel, I truly pity that person. The 1931 movie was quite a disgrace to the novel, and although I am certain that Stoker is not rolling in his grave ever since the early thirties, I am sure that the novel is nothing like any of the many movies you might have seen.
Written in 1897 by one of the greatest authors, Dracula is a timeless masterpiece that can only be enjoyed to its maximum when read, and not listened to by another reader (i.e. audiobook etc.)
Each character, from John, Lucy, Jonathan, Van Helsing, and the many other characters have their own personalities entirely, and each have their own thoughts.
The book is written as a collection of each character's journal entries, (other than Dracula and Reinfield's,) and begins much more interestingly than any movie.
For the most part, I think the reader should know that it was Jonathan Harker who first went to see Dracula, not Reinfield as the 1931 movie portrays.
Dracula did not actually wear a cape in the book, but that does not mean he wasn't as Gothic as the movies portray.
One must wonder how vampires are associated with erotica in modern times, for the book did not contain any such. I presume that idea only came from the head of one Ann Rice.
One might start reading the book being on Dracula's side, and hoping Dracula will win in the end, but by the time you are on the last few chapters you will despise Dracula.
Stoker knew how to make anything sound morbid and frightening; snow, for example, in this novel, like in the short story `Dracula's guest' also by Stoker, seemed to get the reader into a feeling of terror and clusterphobia.
I had read this novel for five hours strait without knowing the exact hour, and the whole time I had not one dull moment.
Of the many novels I have read, I think few compare to the brilliancy of this particular one.
When one is done with this book, they will ask themselves `is this story fiction, or not? It seemed so real, so sorrowful, and so macabre.'
Stoker obviously did much research on many things such as zoophugus' and such.
A great novel by a great author.
Recommended for fans of Poe, Shelley, Konstantinos, and any Gothic literature admirer.
If you have still not seen any Dracula movie, I suggest read the novel, then watch the movie. You shall probably not enjoy the movie at all after such a great novel.
I give this ten out of five stars.
Quite simply the best book I've ever read, 18 Oct 2007
Get ready to be teleported back in time to the late 1800's. Bram takes you there, puts you in Dracula's Castle and scares the living daylight out of you.
Hooked!
Worthy of the classic status, 18 Oct 2007
Dracula is a name you will encounter all through your life, whether you've read the book or not. Due to this I had huge misconceptions as to what the story may be.
High on atmosphere and storytelling, the book is part medical drama, part mystery, part horror. Dracula himself doesn't feature perhaps as highly as you'd expect but this makes him all the more frightening.
It's not perfect, there are some slow, drawn out sections. On the whole I would make sure you read Dracula at least once in your lifetime, if only to correct your misconceptions.
"For the dead travel fast", 05 Sep 2007
Surprisingly "Denn die Toten reiten schnell" or "For the dead travel fast" is more than an opening line to this tale of love in the dangerous moon light. After watching several Drac movies and a few Nosferatu's, I pretty much though I had a handle on the genera. Little did I know what a wonderful world of mystery and suspense that Bram Stoker opened up for me.
The story is told mostly third party though the papers, diaries, and phonograph recordings (on wax calendars) of those people involve in a tale so bizarre that it almost defies belief. The general story line is that of a Count that plans to move to a more urban setting (from Borgo Pass to London) where there is a richer diet. There he finds succulent women; something he can sing his teeth in. Unfortunately for him a gang of ruffians (including a real-estate agent, asylum director, Texas cowboy and an Old Dutch abnormal psychologist) is out to detour his nocturnal munching. They think they have Drac on the run but with a wing and a prayer he is always one step ahead.
Of more value to the reader is the rich prose chosen by Stoker as he describes the morals and technology of the time. We have to come to grips with or decide if we can perform the rituals that are required to eliminate vampires verses the impropriety of opening graves and staking loved ones. The powers in the book differ from the movie versions in that they are more of persuasio | | |