Varney the Vampire
Book description
Varney the Vampire (1847) is a penny dreadful novel by British writers James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett Prest. Originally serialized in cheap volumes, the novel introduced some of the most recognizable tropes of vampire fiction still used today, including the depiction of fangs and the use of a Gothic…
Why read it?
1 author picked Varney the Vampire as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
A precursor to Dracula, and largely forgotten today in the mainstream, the globe-hopping adventures of Varney bring to mind many spy adventure tales.
In this novel, one of the original “penny dreadfuls” the episodic tone (due to its original publication as a continuing weekly serial from 1845-1847), contributes to the espionage feel, especially as Varney takes on a cover as “Baron Stolmuyer Saltsburgh” in order to further his activities.
Also notable is, among the other vampiric Gothic traits displayed by Varney, he is also able to be revived by moonlight, a trope which is now more attributed to werewolves.
From Wade's list on the Gothic-espionage connection.
If you love Varney the Vampire...
A Voracious Grief
My book is fantastical historical fiction about two characters who're wrestling with the monstrosity of their grief.
It takes you into London high society, where Ambrose tries to forget about how much he misses Bennett and how much he dreads becoming as cold as their Grandfather. It takes you to…
Want books like Varney the Vampire?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 89 books like Varney the Vampire.
Share your top 3 reads of 2024!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,592
readers submitted
so far, will you?
