The Classic Vampire

Now, these Vampires are the ones most of us are familiar with and, prior to the twentieth century, were the fanged, blood-sucking monsters that challenged the wits and fearlessness of the bravest men and women. Dracula, the very first Vampire tale, depicted by Bram Stroker, appeared in 1897, over one hundred years ago. I remember how scared I was by the original tome when I read it as a kid.

Watching Bela Lugosi's old black and white portrayals of the enigmatic Count, kept me on the edge of my seat as I cried out in youthful fear to the always female victim, "Don't look in his eyes!" Of course, going by the script, the dumb cow always did. She deserved to be relieved of her blood supply for being so stupid! Sadly, with the new age of Special Effects in movies, he has become an obsolete character. Vampires have taken on a new meaning today. The vampire is no longer the bad guy anymore.

Stories of the Classic Vampire

The Story of Chugoro, Lafcadio Hearn
Count Magnus, M. R. James
For the Blood Is the Life, F. Marion Crawford
The Drifting Snow, August Derleth
Salem's Lot, Stephen King