Book Review: Bram Stoker's Notes for Dracula A Facsimile Edition, McFarland & Compant, Inc., 331 pages, 2008

Not here. Go to www.lurid-lit.com . Seriously, it will be there today. I am just jotting it down as a draft. And while you are there read some other stuff.....Thank you.

Classic Book Review: CARMILLA and THE EVIL GUEST by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu

'Carmilla' pre-dates 'Dracula'  and is the classic foundation of vampire literature in its influence to Bram Stoker's novel and works to follow. The theme of lesbianism has also held fascination for readers as well. While dated in presentation this tale is still a solid stalwart to the genre before the entire vampire trope was destroyed completely by more modern takes. Sparkle. Sparkle. If you enjoy classic vampirism and not one who would vie for a 'Rolling Stone' cover then pick this up.

'The Evil Guest' too is a classic of curses and gothic horror; the specialty of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu.

The volume you see was published by Full Moon Press in 2008. It includes illustrations and a few extras. If you can forgive the extras and the artwork this is a winner. 

Classic Book Review: THE BRAM STOKER BEDSIDE COMPANION

Here's your proof that DRACULA wasn't a one hit wonder. Shorter pieces are found here, usually those you would find in old anthologies. Included here are THE JUDGE'S HOUSE, THE BURIAL OF THE RATS, THE SQUAW and seven others. Excellent background too by Charles Osborne.

If you claim to know horror you don't know anything until you have read this volume.

Dracula is coming to prime time

NBC has announced Dracula will have his own prime time television series this fall. That announcement in itself scares me. Network television has failed to get anything right since the advent of Cable and some can argue since the advent of television. Jonathan Rhys Meyers will be Dracula. Now I am interested. He is a wonderful actor; he is force of nature on the screen and was simply phenomenal in 'The Tudors'. I just pray they do not squandor his talent. We will be watching of course, but kudos on that bit of casting. If you did not see 'The Tudors' purchase the DVDs and enjoy the intrigue, the writing, the direction and superb acting.