Vampires vs. Werewolves – Ultimate Collection: Dracula, Isle of the Undead, Four Wooden Stakes, The Mark of the Beast, The Horror-Horn...

Bram Stoker · Théophile Gautier · Rudyard Kipling · Eugene Field · Clemence Housman · Thomas Peckett Prest · James Malcolm Rymer · George Sylvester Viereck · Victoria Glad · Anthony Pelcher · Henry Kuttner · Earl Peirce · Lloyd Arthur Eshbach · Dudley Wright · Caroline Taylor Stewart · Hume Nisbet · John William Polidori · E. F. Benson · George W. M. Reynolds · Robert E. Howard · Sabine Baring-Gould · Richard Francis Burton · Marie de France · Sheridan Le Fanu · Jan Neruda · Claude Askew · Alice Askew · Émile Erckmann · Alexandre Chatrian · Victor Rowan · Alexandre Dumas Père · Gladys Gordon Trenery · Clifford Ball

Nov 2023 · DigiCat

About this ebook

In the 'Vampires vs. Werewolves – Ultimate Collection,' readers are invited into a gothic realm where the immortal and the beastly engage in an eternal conflict. This anthology is a veritable treasure trove of narratives that spans from classical literature to pulp fiction, showcasing the versatile expressions of these mythical themes across centuries. The diversity of literary styles, from the epistolary tale to the dramatic short story, and the varying contexts—from Victorian England to Eastern European lands—offers a panorama of the vampire and werewolf mythos that is unparalleled. Within its pages, landmark tales stand side by side with lesser-known gems, each contributing to the rich tapestry that defines and redefines the monsters of our nightmares and fantasies. The collection does not lean on the reputation of a single author but rather celebrates the collective envisioning of the supernatural. The contributing authors and editors, hailing from a wide array of cultural and literary backgrounds, bring with them their unique voices to this compilation. This anthology resonates with the undertones of the Gothic revival, romanticism, and the fascination with the occult that swept through Europe and America in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The works of Bram Stoker and Sheridan Le Fanu rub shoulders with the creations of Clemence Housman and George W. M. Reynolds, offering a glimpse into the evolution of the horror genre and its various cultural interpretations. The inherent diversity among the authors enriches the collection, ensuring a multifaceted exploration of the archetype of the vampire and the werewolf. It provides an insightful commentary on the fears, desires, and the societal undertones that these creatures symbolize in literature. 'Vampires vs. Werewolves – Ultimate Collection' is an essential anthology for both aficionados of the gothic and horror genres and scholars interested in the cultural significance of these enduring mythological figures. Offering a broad spectrum of perspectives, it not only entertains but also invites readers to ponder the deeper meanings embedded within these tales of darkness and transformation. It is a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of two of literature's most iconic adversaries through a multitude of lenses, marking it a must-read for those who wish to delve deeper into the shadows of literary history.

About the author

Abraham 'Bram' Stoker (1847–1912) was an Irish author, best known for his Gothic masterpiece 'Dracula' (1897). Stoker's contribution to the genre of horror fiction is incalculable, influencing countless adaptations and spin-offs. Born in Dublin, Ireland, he battled through a sickness-ridden childhood, which perhaps shaped the macabre in his literary undertakings. Stoker was a civil servant at Dublin Castle for a decade before developing a secondary career in writing. His early works garnered mild attention, but it was the publication of 'Dracula' that solidified his position as a preeminent Gothic novelist. The novel introduced the character of Count Dracula and established many conventions of subsequent vampire fantasy. The themes of his work often delve into the psychological, the taboo, and the clash between modernity and ancient superstitions. While 'Vampires vs. Werewolves – Ultimate Collection' is not one of his authentic works, it represents the legacy of lore that Stoker popularised. His literary style combined detailed realism with the supernatural, making him a pioneer for future horror and fantasy writers. In his lifetime, Stoker was better known as the manager of the Lyceum Theatre in London, where he was a business associate of the famous actor Henry Irving. Stoker's novels reflect a deep preoccupation with the Victorian concerns of his era, including sexuality, immigration, and the advancement of technology. Bram Stoker's work has endured well beyond his lifetime, ensuring his place as a titan in the pantheon of horror literature.