Early Vampire Stories: The Origin of the Vampire Myth in Literature

The Vampire is now a staple of modern culture. Seen in films, comics, posters, books and countless other places and products, his presence has become ubiquitous. Despite this, the origin of this mythical creature remains obscure. When? In what circumstances did this character enter the world of fiction? Included in this collection are several stories that were written in the 19th century. They represent some of the earliest appearances of vampires in written form. The Vampyre is considered by many to be the first ever vampire short story ever written. Carmilla, a gothic novella published 25 years before Dracula, contains themes of lesbian attraction and aristocratic depredation that were hugely controversial at the time. Clarimonde is the story of a priest who is troubled in his faith when he falls in love with a mysterious woman. Collectively these stories represent a remarkable creative outburst that would give birth to the unnerving and endearing Vampire.