Mint Editions, John William Polidori: Vampyre (2021, Mint Editions)
English language
Published 2021 by Mint Editions.
The Vampyre*, a short gothic novel by John William Polidori, was first published in 1819 and is considered the first modern vampire story. The story features Lord Ruthven, a seductive aristocrat with unnatural powers over men and women, and an insatiable thirst for blood. Polidori's innovative portrayal of the vampire as a Byronic figure is said to have set the template for the modern vampire.
Because it was written over 200 years ago it definitely has some interesting stylistic choices that make it hard to get through. It is interesting seeing which parts of the vampire mythology existed in the early 1800s in Britain, when/where it was written. It is a novella so a short read. I didn't fall in love with it though.
