Dracula

"Dracula" is a Gothic horror novel written by Irish author Bram Stoker, first published in 1897. Set in the late 19th century, the story is presented through a series of journal entries, letters, newspaper articles, and diary entries, creating a sense of immediacy and intimacy in the narrative.<br/>The novel follows the journey of Jonathan Harker, a young English solicitor who travels to Transylvania to assist Count Dracula in the purchase of an estate in England. However, as Harker spends time at Dracula's castle, he discovers the sinister and supernatural nature of his host. Dracula is revealed to be a centuries-old vampire, preying on the blood of the living to sustain his immortal existence.<br/>As the story progresses, Dracula travels to England, where he sets his sights on the virtuous Mina Murray, fiancee of Harker, and her circle of friends and acquaintances. With the help of Professor Abraham Van Helsing, a Dutch doctor and vampire hunter, Mina and her companions embark on a quest to rid the world of Dracula's evil influence.<br/>The novel explores themes of sexuality, Victorian anxieties, colonialism, and the clash between modernity and tradition. It also delves into the psychological and moral struggles faced by the characters as they confront the darkness embodied by Count Dracula.<br/>"Dracula" has become one of the most iconic and enduring works of Gothic literature, inspiring countless adaptations in various media, from stage plays to films and television series. Bram Stoker's creation of Count Dracula has left an indelible mark on popular culture, solidifying the vampire as one of the most enduring figures of horror fiction.