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The Dracula Book of Great Vampire Stories
Features "Carmilla" by Sheridan Le Fanu, "Dracula's Guest" by Bram Stoker, "Le Horla" by Guy de Maupassant, "The Sad Story of a Vampire" by Count Stenbock, "Good Lady Ducayne" by Mary Elizabeth Braddon, "The Tomb of Sarah" by F.G. Loring, "For the Blood Is the Life" by F. Marion Crawford, "The Room in the Tower" and "Mrs. Amworth" by E.F. Benson, "The Transfer" by Algernon Blackwood, "The Vampire" by Jan Neruda, "Four Wooden Stakes" by Victor Roman, and "An Authenticated Vampire Story" by Dr. Franz Hartmann. **Lightning Print On Demand Title
269 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 3, 2026
This is an interesting collection for how old it is and how focused it is on a specific trope, but although there were certainly some shining stars within, the collection overall suffers from being a bit dated and repetitive (I guess there are only so many ways of telling the story of vampiric possession and eradication).
I’m glad I read it (finally), but there were only a couple of stories that I can imagine returning to for a re-read. Favorites were Good Lady Ducayne and The Tomb of Sarah. My average rating per story was 3.3.
Carmilla by Sheridan le Fanu (1871)
****
Thoroughly enjoyable story, very familiar as it essentially lays all the groundwork for Dracula. A young woman who is, we discover, most certainly a vampire, has been left in the care of a man with a young daughter of his own. I suppose the shock and awe in this story would be more impactful were it not known so well as a vampire story, and herewith collected in an anthology of vampire stories; we know the girl will turn out to be a creature of the night once it becomes clear she's the main character outside of the protagonist. That lack of surprise can't be held against it. My only real complaint about Carmilla is that it seemed overlong. Again, this might not have been the case had I not known the story's secret from the beginning.
The Horla by Guy de Maupassant (1887)
***
This one is interesting in that it may not have to do with vampires as we know them, but actually something a bit different and possibly even alien. It's written in an epistolary format, comprised of journal entries. The young man continuously falls ill while at home after *something* drops off a ship and makes its home with him in secret, and he only rebounds in his health the few times he goes away for a lengthy stay elsewhere, which is does at one point for the sole purpose of testing his theory that there is a presence of some kind in his home. I liked the format of this story and was sufficiently interested throughout, but I wasn't sad when it was over.
The Sad Story of a Vampire by Count Stenbock (1894)
**
A woman recounts a very Carmilla-esque tale of her beautiful, beloved, younger brother Gabriel being slowly preyed upon and drained of life by a vampire in the family's midst. It's a pretty short, straight-forward story, and for me it doesn't add much to the genre although I'm sure when it was new it was not in the company of thousands of other vampire stories like it is now.
Good Lady Ducayne by Mary Elizabeth Braddon (1896)
*****
I loved this story about a woman with an obsession for maintaining her youth at all costs. The protagonist reminded me, as did much of the story, of a Shirley Jackson creation. Meek, unskilled, and desperate for work or any other life experience, she is devoted to her mother and makes many excuses for the decline in her health before a brilliant young suitor pulls the veil from her eyes and frees her from the danger. I was thrilled with the conclusion of this story in that it fits the description of a vampire tale while still somehow totally surprising me and diverging from what was expected. The fact that I liked the protagonist and viewpoint character so well put it over the top. I also found good Lady Ducayne to be a fascinating person.
The Tomb of Sarah by F. G. Loring (1900)
****
This story, which was published a couple of years after Dracula, feels super derivative of certain scenes in Stoker’s novel wherein the protagonists observe Lucy in the cemetery. But although it’s not totally original, it is concise, well-written, and the immediate setup is unique and interesting. I liked the idea of a church restoration expert having to move a tomb against the warning’s of local superstition and its own inscription.
For the Blood Is the Life by F. Marion Crawford (1911)
****
I loved this story despite the fact that I’m confused as to the vampire’s origin. Two men sit on an exposed balcony overlooking a hillside with a strange mound beside a large boulder. When in direct moonlight, a body can be seen lying atop the mound. But once anyone goes up close to investigate, it’s gone. We hear the story behind the mound and it’s a doozie. Typical racist and misogynist fetishization and moral judgment against a supposed “gypsy” woman with red lips notwithstanding, this was an otherwise enjoyable read. Curious to read other popular stories by this author.
The Room in the Tower by E. F. Benson (1912)
****
I love a story that deals with dreams, especially recurring dreams. This story deals with a man who’s been having the same nightmare—one concerning people and a setting he’s totally unfamiliar with—roughly once a month for 15 years, and culminates in him coming face to face with the images from that nightmare.
The Transfer by Algernon Blackwood (1912)
***
At last a truly bizarre story. Concerns a woman governess who is clairvoyant, and much as the little boy living in the house is sure, she’s certain that a peculiarly dead patch of grass near the tea garden outside is somehow evil. That it’s been denied feeding or care in some way, despite the fact that the estate’s gardeners have tried every remedy they know. It’s a strange and very vague concept, matched by her sense that the man visiting has lived his life in an opposite state, leeching ideas and success and vitality from his associates and friends for years. She even calls him vampiric. The “transfer” that eventually occurs is an interesting event because any supernatural aspect is seemingly known only to her; for everyone else there are more mundane explanations for his fate. So the story ends with our having witnessed an incredible event that cannot ever really be proven. It’s a weird concept but it was interesting. I might have enjoyed a bit more discussion of the aftermath.
Dracula’s Guest by Bram Stoker
***
Stoker’s side-quest in the Dracula world feels more like an alternate entry point to that story than a deleted scene. A man is being conveyed through the countryside on his way to a meeting with Dracula on Walpurgis Night—a night to be cautious and to protect oneself from unsettled spirits. But he loses his ride when his hired coachman refuses to take a detour through an area he considers to be cursed, and continues on foot due to some supreme level of stubbornness. While exploring, however, he experiences terrors and regrets his decision. Amusing but it doesn’t really add up to much in the end.
The Vampire by Jan Neruda
***
Very short and intriguing story about a couple enjoying a picturesque day on holiday in the company of a Polish family, their daughter weak and sickly. Another visitor, a Greek artist, always seems lurking nearby. When they lay on a grassy hill and enjoy the view of the sea and the valley below, he is several yards away painting them. I found this story pleasant enough, and I like the concept. But I wish it had been longer and a bit more fleshed-out. The reveal at the end was unsettling though.
Mrs. Amworth by E.F. Benson
***
Typical story of a male duo discovering the presence of a vampire in their small town, but here the vampire is a gregarious and charming woman named Mrs Amworth. The protagonist is prone to spending evenings playing cards and listening to her play piano, as she’s introduced the small village of Maxley to a more active social life than it had been accustomed to before her arrival. This story eschews the beheading and requires only that our heroes drive a stake into her heart, but the depictions of her sudden decomposition are still rather ghastly. I liked in particular the exploration of this vampire as having a pleasant and not altogether unusual personality; she is very likable. There’s very little new here but it’s an enjoyable enough little story, plus I liked the depiction of her jumping through the earth down into her grave.
Four Wooden Stakes by Victor Roman
***
Another very traditional and oddly forthright vampire story, wherein a man begs a friend for assistance in solving his ailments and they realize he’s being preyed upon by a vampire. Upon seeing wha’d happening at night in his friend’s bedroom, the protagonist immediately knows what’s up and what to do. They dispatch the vampire (and the other three family members in the crypt) with the usual wooden stakes and by severing the heads, and that’s that. I liked this story overall, despite its brevity and the simplicity of the writing.
An Authenticated Vampire Story by Franz Hartman
**
Bizarrely short and simplistic, as though written for young adults. Reads not unlike a story in Scary Stories To Tell In the Dark. I’m somewhat confused by the story in that it seems to be portraying the investigation of a haunted castle that was once owned by a Count, but no one visiting as a part of that research is ever attacked as you might expect. There are a couple of seances and manifestations of an evil presence seen in the face of an unsettling figure in an old portrait, but after bringing in a Bible and doing a bit to keep the demon at bay, the heroes leave the castle and the story ends. We know that the castle was later burned to the ground by nearby villagers, but there is no real exploration of vampiric activity. Felt oddly incomplete and rushed.
I’m glad I read it (finally), but there were only a couple of stories that I can imagine returning to for a re-read. Favorites were Good Lady Ducayne and The Tomb of Sarah. My average rating per story was 3.3.
Carmilla by Sheridan le Fanu (1871)
****
Thoroughly enjoyable story, very familiar as it essentially lays all the groundwork for Dracula. A young woman who is, we discover, most certainly a vampire, has been left in the care of a man with a young daughter of his own. I suppose the shock and awe in this story would be more impactful were it not known so well as a vampire story, and herewith collected in an anthology of vampire stories; we know the girl will turn out to be a creature of the night once it becomes clear she's the main character outside of the protagonist. That lack of surprise can't be held against it. My only real complaint about Carmilla is that it seemed overlong. Again, this might not have been the case had I not known the story's secret from the beginning.
The Horla by Guy de Maupassant (1887)
***
This one is interesting in that it may not have to do with vampires as we know them, but actually something a bit different and possibly even alien. It's written in an epistolary format, comprised of journal entries. The young man continuously falls ill while at home after *something* drops off a ship and makes its home with him in secret, and he only rebounds in his health the few times he goes away for a lengthy stay elsewhere, which is does at one point for the sole purpose of testing his theory that there is a presence of some kind in his home. I liked the format of this story and was sufficiently interested throughout, but I wasn't sad when it was over.
The Sad Story of a Vampire by Count Stenbock (1894)
**
A woman recounts a very Carmilla-esque tale of her beautiful, beloved, younger brother Gabriel being slowly preyed upon and drained of life by a vampire in the family's midst. It's a pretty short, straight-forward story, and for me it doesn't add much to the genre although I'm sure when it was new it was not in the company of thousands of other vampire stories like it is now.
Good Lady Ducayne by Mary Elizabeth Braddon (1896)
*****
I loved this story about a woman with an obsession for maintaining her youth at all costs. The protagonist reminded me, as did much of the story, of a Shirley Jackson creation. Meek, unskilled, and desperate for work or any other life experience, she is devoted to her mother and makes many excuses for the decline in her health before a brilliant young suitor pulls the veil from her eyes and frees her from the danger. I was thrilled with the conclusion of this story in that it fits the description of a vampire tale while still somehow totally surprising me and diverging from what was expected. The fact that I liked the protagonist and viewpoint character so well put it over the top. I also found good Lady Ducayne to be a fascinating person.
The Tomb of Sarah by F. G. Loring (1900)
****
This story, which was published a couple of years after Dracula, feels super derivative of certain scenes in Stoker’s novel wherein the protagonists observe Lucy in the cemetery. But although it’s not totally original, it is concise, well-written, and the immediate setup is unique and interesting. I liked the idea of a church restoration expert having to move a tomb against the warning’s of local superstition and its own inscription.
For the Blood Is the Life by F. Marion Crawford (1911)
****
I loved this story despite the fact that I’m confused as to the vampire’s origin. Two men sit on an exposed balcony overlooking a hillside with a strange mound beside a large boulder. When in direct moonlight, a body can be seen lying atop the mound. But once anyone goes up close to investigate, it’s gone. We hear the story behind the mound and it’s a doozie. Typical racist and misogynist fetishization and moral judgment against a supposed “gypsy” woman with red lips notwithstanding, this was an otherwise enjoyable read. Curious to read other popular stories by this author.
The Room in the Tower by E. F. Benson (1912)
****
I love a story that deals with dreams, especially recurring dreams. This story deals with a man who’s been having the same nightmare—one concerning people and a setting he’s totally unfamiliar with—roughly once a month for 15 years, and culminates in him coming face to face with the images from that nightmare.
The Transfer by Algernon Blackwood (1912)
***
At last a truly bizarre story. Concerns a woman governess who is clairvoyant, and much as the little boy living in the house is sure, she’s certain that a peculiarly dead patch of grass near the tea garden outside is somehow evil. That it’s been denied feeding or care in some way, despite the fact that the estate’s gardeners have tried every remedy they know. It’s a strange and very vague concept, matched by her sense that the man visiting has lived his life in an opposite state, leeching ideas and success and vitality from his associates and friends for years. She even calls him vampiric. The “transfer” that eventually occurs is an interesting event because any supernatural aspect is seemingly known only to her; for everyone else there are more mundane explanations for his fate. So the story ends with our having witnessed an incredible event that cannot ever really be proven. It’s a weird concept but it was interesting. I might have enjoyed a bit more discussion of the aftermath.
Dracula’s Guest by Bram Stoker
***
Stoker’s side-quest in the Dracula world feels more like an alternate entry point to that story than a deleted scene. A man is being conveyed through the countryside on his way to a meeting with Dracula on Walpurgis Night—a night to be cautious and to protect oneself from unsettled spirits. But he loses his ride when his hired coachman refuses to take a detour through an area he considers to be cursed, and continues on foot due to some supreme level of stubbornness. While exploring, however, he experiences terrors and regrets his decision. Amusing but it doesn’t really add up to much in the end.
The Vampire by Jan Neruda
***
Very short and intriguing story about a couple enjoying a picturesque day on holiday in the company of a Polish family, their daughter weak and sickly. Another visitor, a Greek artist, always seems lurking nearby. When they lay on a grassy hill and enjoy the view of the sea and the valley below, he is several yards away painting them. I found this story pleasant enough, and I like the concept. But I wish it had been longer and a bit more fleshed-out. The reveal at the end was unsettling though.
Mrs. Amworth by E.F. Benson
***
Typical story of a male duo discovering the presence of a vampire in their small town, but here the vampire is a gregarious and charming woman named Mrs Amworth. The protagonist is prone to spending evenings playing cards and listening to her play piano, as she’s introduced the small village of Maxley to a more active social life than it had been accustomed to before her arrival. This story eschews the beheading and requires only that our heroes drive a stake into her heart, but the depictions of her sudden decomposition are still rather ghastly. I liked in particular the exploration of this vampire as having a pleasant and not altogether unusual personality; she is very likable. There’s very little new here but it’s an enjoyable enough little story, plus I liked the depiction of her jumping through the earth down into her grave.
Four Wooden Stakes by Victor Roman
***
Another very traditional and oddly forthright vampire story, wherein a man begs a friend for assistance in solving his ailments and they realize he’s being preyed upon by a vampire. Upon seeing wha’d happening at night in his friend’s bedroom, the protagonist immediately knows what’s up and what to do. They dispatch the vampire (and the other three family members in the crypt) with the usual wooden stakes and by severing the heads, and that’s that. I liked this story overall, despite its brevity and the simplicity of the writing.
An Authenticated Vampire Story by Franz Hartman
**
Bizarrely short and simplistic, as though written for young adults. Reads not unlike a story in Scary Stories To Tell In the Dark. I’m somewhat confused by the story in that it seems to be portraying the investigation of a haunted castle that was once owned by a Count, but no one visiting as a part of that research is ever attacked as you might expect. There are a couple of seances and manifestations of an evil presence seen in the face of an unsettling figure in an old portrait, but after bringing in a Bible and doing a bit to keep the demon at bay, the heroes leave the castle and the story ends. We know that the castle was later burned to the ground by nearby villagers, but there is no real exploration of vampiric activity. Felt oddly incomplete and rushed.
January 10, 2016
I absolutely love it when a book takes me so pleasantly by surprise! This is a two-volume collection of classic horror stories. The first volume is built on a vampire theme, and the second volume contains tales designed to unnerve, though not vampire related. I was enthralled.
These are not stories that are heavy on gory descriptions. I have enjoyed many of Stephen King's works, but none of these stories are that graphic. Yet, they were very adept at psychological horror ... the thing seen out of the corner of the eye that is no longer there when you look straight at it, but that chills the body nonetheless.
Among the vampire tales, they were all excellent. Some I had read before and enjoyed immensely, such as CARMILLA, THE HORLA and DRACULA'S GUEST. Others were treasured discoveries, such as GOOD LADY DUCAYNE, THE TOMB OF SARAH and MRS. AMWORTH. Despite a comment in the Introduction when the editor confuses a Universal classic with a Hammer classic, I thought this selection was faultless.
The second volume was more of a mixed bag, with THE TRAVELLING GRAVE being the weakest, but none of them were poor selections. Once more, there was a sampling of "old friends" such as THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM, THE MONKEY'S PAW, THE JUDGE'S HOUSE and THE FESTIVAL. THE VOICE IN THE NIGHT by William Hope Hodgson was the delightful discovery for me ... which I'm guessing inspired the Japanese horror film, MATANGO. It was chilling.
Usually, with short story collections, I make my way through them in a hap-hazard fashion. They can be put aside if something more interesting comes along. With this two-volume collection, I was always looking forward to my next reading session. THE BOOK OF DRACULA will have a cherished spot on my bookshelf, and is certain to be revisited.
I highly recommend it.
These are not stories that are heavy on gory descriptions. I have enjoyed many of Stephen King's works, but none of these stories are that graphic. Yet, they were very adept at psychological horror ... the thing seen out of the corner of the eye that is no longer there when you look straight at it, but that chills the body nonetheless.
Among the vampire tales, they were all excellent. Some I had read before and enjoyed immensely, such as CARMILLA, THE HORLA and DRACULA'S GUEST. Others were treasured discoveries, such as GOOD LADY DUCAYNE, THE TOMB OF SARAH and MRS. AMWORTH. Despite a comment in the Introduction when the editor confuses a Universal classic with a Hammer classic, I thought this selection was faultless.
The second volume was more of a mixed bag, with THE TRAVELLING GRAVE being the weakest, but none of them were poor selections. Once more, there was a sampling of "old friends" such as THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM, THE MONKEY'S PAW, THE JUDGE'S HOUSE and THE FESTIVAL. THE VOICE IN THE NIGHT by William Hope Hodgson was the delightful discovery for me ... which I'm guessing inspired the Japanese horror film, MATANGO. It was chilling.
Usually, with short story collections, I make my way through them in a hap-hazard fashion. They can be put aside if something more interesting comes along. With this two-volume collection, I was always looking forward to my next reading session. THE BOOK OF DRACULA will have a cherished spot on my bookshelf, and is certain to be revisited.
I highly recommend it.
September 28, 2016
I read this primarily because of the opening novella titled Carmilla by Sheridan le Fanu. This is supposed to be the granddaddy (or grandmammy?) of the modern vampire novel, including Dracula. My reaction to Carmilla is similar, however, to my reaction to Dracula. I have trouble with old-timey horror because often it is so obvious to the modern reader just what is going on, it can make the protagonists seem a bit thick. That aside, the bits in Carmilla about the narrator being stalked by a black beast in her dreams were quite scary. Also included in the collection were short stories from favored authors such as E.F. Benson and M.E. Braddon as well as the new-to-me Maupassant. This is my last book for the 2016 Back to the Classics Challenge hosted by Karen at the blog Books and Chocolate. The book perfectly fits that category of classic short stories since all were originally written and/or published well over 50 years ago and the collection contains over 8 stories (it has 13 – no doubt that “unlucky” number was purposefully chosen).
October 25, 2023
THE DRACULA BOOK OF GREAT VAMPIRE STORIES
I bought this mostly to get a copy of "Carmilla" but was pleasantly surprised by the quality of several of the stories. (Average: 2.6 stars)
"Carmilla" by Sheridan Le Fanu: Anyone who has read modern or classic vampire fiction will know the broad strokes of this story, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable. At novella length, Carmilla is a quick and enlightening read for fans of the genre. What's truly shocking, though, is how openly sapphic Carmilla is given its 19th century publication. Laura and Carmilla form a deep relationship of affection that can be interpreted as sexual in nature, though this is never openly stated be Le Faun. In this way, Carmilla is seen by some critics as an early feminist, female empowerment, or LGBTQ+ work -- albeit one written by a white man. (Four stars)
"The Horla" by Guy de Maupassant: This story is viewed as a huge influence on H.P. Lovecraft’s later work, and it’s easy to see why. A being of supernatural or perhaps even extraterrestrial origin begins preying on a well-to-do Frenchman, slowly eroding the man’s sanity. Or maybe the protagonist is simply slipping into paranoia all on his own — who can say? I usually dislike stories of this nature after Lovecraft turned them into formulaic bores, but this one is handled well with some decent narrative turns at the end. (Three stars)
"The Sad Story of a Vampire" by Count Stenbock: A short tale that almost parallels “Carmilla,” except that it is about a vampire preying on a vivacious 12-year-old boy. There’s not much here apart from some very cringey pedophilia vibes. (One star)
"Good Lady Ducayne" by Mary Elizabeth Braddon: This is an interesting story for the fact that it’s the only one in the collection written by a woman and it is written in third person. Of further interest is the form that vampirism takes in the story — not as something supernatural, but as a physical evil perpetrated for a similar reason: achieving prolonged life. (Four stars)
"The Tomb of Sarah" by F.G. Loring: An enjoyable, if standard, vampire story about a church restorer who uncovers the tomb of a vampire countess. Missed opportunity for a small twist at the end. (Three stars)
"For the Blood is the Life" by F. Marion Crawford: A rather uninteresting story about a murdered woman in Italy who becomes a vampire for … some reason. All atmosphere and very little plot. (Two stars)
"The Room in the Tower" by E.F. Benson: Builds to a terrifying climax that is somewhat tarnished by a swift conclusion, but otherwise very atmospheric and spooky. (Four stars)
"The Transfer" by Algernon Blackwood: There are some nice turns of phrase here, but this is an otherwise nonsensical story with florid, overbearing prose about a vampiric … patch of grass … or something? This story didn’t belong in this collection. (One star)
"Dracula’s Guest" by Bram Stoker: It is suspected that this was originally the first chapter of Stoker’s Dracula and that it was cut for length or stylistic reasons. If that’s the case, either Stoker or the editor made a good choice. The story feels undercooked, with the narrator acting in conflicting ways as the narrative goes on. It’s interesting as a curiosity, but not much else. (Two stars)
"The Vampire" by Jan Neruda: A very short but fun story that would be spoiled by saying anything about its plot. (Three Stars)
"Mrs. Amworth" by E.F. Benson: Another winner from E.F. Benson that chooses an unusual character for its vampire protagonist. (Three stars)
"Four Wooden Stakes" by Victor Roman: Another standard vampire story in the same vein as "The Tomb of Sarah" but not quite as good for how under-baked it is. (Two stars)
"An Authenticated Vampire Story" by Dr. Franz Hartmann: I'm not sure what to make of this piece. I believe it is technically a work of non-fiction that appeared in an occult magazine in the early-20th century. However, since it involves so many elements of spiritualism (mediums, table knocking, etc.) it reads more like a gothic short story. Mostly uninteresting, but short. (Two stars)
I bought this mostly to get a copy of "Carmilla" but was pleasantly surprised by the quality of several of the stories. (Average: 2.6 stars)
"Carmilla" by Sheridan Le Fanu: Anyone who has read modern or classic vampire fiction will know the broad strokes of this story, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable. At novella length, Carmilla is a quick and enlightening read for fans of the genre. What's truly shocking, though, is how openly sapphic Carmilla is given its 19th century publication. Laura and Carmilla form a deep relationship of affection that can be interpreted as sexual in nature, though this is never openly stated be Le Faun. In this way, Carmilla is seen by some critics as an early feminist, female empowerment, or LGBTQ+ work -- albeit one written by a white man. (Four stars)
"The Horla" by Guy de Maupassant: This story is viewed as a huge influence on H.P. Lovecraft’s later work, and it’s easy to see why. A being of supernatural or perhaps even extraterrestrial origin begins preying on a well-to-do Frenchman, slowly eroding the man’s sanity. Or maybe the protagonist is simply slipping into paranoia all on his own — who can say? I usually dislike stories of this nature after Lovecraft turned them into formulaic bores, but this one is handled well with some decent narrative turns at the end. (Three stars)
"The Sad Story of a Vampire" by Count Stenbock: A short tale that almost parallels “Carmilla,” except that it is about a vampire preying on a vivacious 12-year-old boy. There’s not much here apart from some very cringey pedophilia vibes. (One star)
"Good Lady Ducayne" by Mary Elizabeth Braddon: This is an interesting story for the fact that it’s the only one in the collection written by a woman and it is written in third person. Of further interest is the form that vampirism takes in the story — not as something supernatural, but as a physical evil perpetrated for a similar reason: achieving prolonged life. (Four stars)
"The Tomb of Sarah" by F.G. Loring: An enjoyable, if standard, vampire story about a church restorer who uncovers the tomb of a vampire countess. Missed opportunity for a small twist at the end. (Three stars)
"For the Blood is the Life" by F. Marion Crawford: A rather uninteresting story about a murdered woman in Italy who becomes a vampire for … some reason. All atmosphere and very little plot. (Two stars)
"The Room in the Tower" by E.F. Benson: Builds to a terrifying climax that is somewhat tarnished by a swift conclusion, but otherwise very atmospheric and spooky. (Four stars)
"The Transfer" by Algernon Blackwood: There are some nice turns of phrase here, but this is an otherwise nonsensical story with florid, overbearing prose about a vampiric … patch of grass … or something? This story didn’t belong in this collection. (One star)
"Dracula’s Guest" by Bram Stoker: It is suspected that this was originally the first chapter of Stoker’s Dracula and that it was cut for length or stylistic reasons. If that’s the case, either Stoker or the editor made a good choice. The story feels undercooked, with the narrator acting in conflicting ways as the narrative goes on. It’s interesting as a curiosity, but not much else. (Two stars)
"The Vampire" by Jan Neruda: A very short but fun story that would be spoiled by saying anything about its plot. (Three Stars)
"Mrs. Amworth" by E.F. Benson: Another winner from E.F. Benson that chooses an unusual character for its vampire protagonist. (Three stars)
"Four Wooden Stakes" by Victor Roman: Another standard vampire story in the same vein as "The Tomb of Sarah" but not quite as good for how under-baked it is. (Two stars)
"An Authenticated Vampire Story" by Dr. Franz Hartmann: I'm not sure what to make of this piece. I believe it is technically a work of non-fiction that appeared in an occult magazine in the early-20th century. However, since it involves so many elements of spiritualism (mediums, table knocking, etc.) it reads more like a gothic short story. Mostly uninteresting, but short. (Two stars)
July 18, 2024
Originally published in 1977, this collection of vampiric stories really holds up. While, as you can imagine, there is some repetition in lore and even plot, if you’re a fan of vampire tales you’ll still have a terrific time and enjoy the subtle differences in setting, season and protagonist. A few standouts in the collection, for me, were ‘The Horla’ by Guy De Maupassant, ‘The Tomb of Sarah’ by FG Loring, ‘The Room in the Tower’ by EF Benson, and (no surprise here) ‘Dracula’s Guest’ by Bram Stoker. And while it wasn’t my favorite there is story about an “energy vampire” and another is a supposed non-fiction account from an occultist. If you’re looking to read more vampire literature this fall or if you are ready for fall (like I am) ahead of schedule, definitely check this out or — lucky for us, I found several of these read on YouTube by some terrific voice actors, most notably Tony Walker of Classic Ghost Stories Podcast.
November 17, 2025
Solid collection of 12 supernatural horror stories with one "true" account thrown in for good measure (13 in total. Nice touch).
1) "Carmilla" by Sheridan Le Fanu (5 stars)
I reviewed this story when I read Best Ghost Stories of J. S. LeFanu, and it is the outstanding entry in this collection as well. Atmospheric, eerie, and unsettling pre-Dracula vampire tale
2) "The Horla" by Guy de Maupassant (5 stars)
This was the other outstanding story, which draws from vampire mythology, but goes in a new direction. It is also a portrait of character slowly losing their gripe on reality… or perhaps realizing the hidden darkness beyond everyday reality.
3) "The Sad Story of a Vampire" by Count Stenbock (3 stars). As the editor notes, this one was somewhat similar to “Carmilla”. Be careful who you let into your house.
4) "Good Lady Ducayne" by Mary Elizabeth Braddon (3 stars). Nice, slow-burn drama about—a vampire? Something else? The young-lady-companion-to-the-weird-old-woman sub-genre dances around who or what is menacing the heroine.
5) "The Tomb of Sarah" by F.G. Loring (4 stars). Aggressively gothic setting, though the Narrator seemed a bit too conveniently experienced in the uncanny.
6) "For the Blood Is the Life" by F. Marion Crawford (4 stars). The sun of Italy contrasts with dark deeds of the distant past; darkness that has not faded
with time.
7) "The Room in the Tower" by E.F. Benson (3 stars). Lingering evil in an old house blended with haunting dreams. Somewhat reminiscent of a puzzle Ella Scrymsour’s occult detective Shiela Crerar might have tackled.
8)"The Transfer" by Algernon Blackwood (3 ½ stars). Not a literal vampire story, but weird and uncomfortable in that way Blackwood excelled at.
9)"Dracula's Guest" by Bram Stoker (3-4 stars). Excluded chapter from Dracula, for the best, I think. While this was enjoyable as a short story, it would have distracted from the flow of the novel, I think.
10)"The Vampire" by Jan Neruda (3 stars). Brief vignette about an encounter with the unexplained.
11)"Mrs. Amworth" by E.F. Benson (3 stars) Conventional vampire lore which is enhanced by an unusual setting and a dose of irony; evil can take the most innocent guise.
12)"Four Wooden Stakes" by Victor Roman (3 stars). Another routine case of vampirism, though the author does a good job of making the locale extraordinarily creepy.
13)"An Authenticated Vampire Story" (2 stars) by Dr. Franz Hartmann. Alleged true account of a vampire from an occult magazine. Take it as you will.
1) "Carmilla" by Sheridan Le Fanu (5 stars)
I reviewed this story when I read Best Ghost Stories of J. S. LeFanu, and it is the outstanding entry in this collection as well. Atmospheric, eerie, and unsettling pre-Dracula vampire tale
2) "The Horla" by Guy de Maupassant (5 stars)
This was the other outstanding story, which draws from vampire mythology, but goes in a new direction. It is also a portrait of character slowly losing their gripe on reality… or perhaps realizing the hidden darkness beyond everyday reality.
3) "The Sad Story of a Vampire" by Count Stenbock (3 stars). As the editor notes, this one was somewhat similar to “Carmilla”. Be careful who you let into your house.
4) "Good Lady Ducayne" by Mary Elizabeth Braddon (3 stars). Nice, slow-burn drama about—a vampire? Something else? The young-lady-companion-to-the-weird-old-woman sub-genre dances around who or what is menacing the heroine.
5) "The Tomb of Sarah" by F.G. Loring (4 stars). Aggressively gothic setting, though the Narrator seemed a bit too conveniently experienced in the uncanny.
6) "For the Blood Is the Life" by F. Marion Crawford (4 stars). The sun of Italy contrasts with dark deeds of the distant past; darkness that has not faded
with time.
7) "The Room in the Tower" by E.F. Benson (3 stars). Lingering evil in an old house blended with haunting dreams. Somewhat reminiscent of a puzzle Ella Scrymsour’s occult detective Shiela Crerar might have tackled.
8)"The Transfer" by Algernon Blackwood (3 ½ stars). Not a literal vampire story, but weird and uncomfortable in that way Blackwood excelled at.
9)"Dracula's Guest" by Bram Stoker (3-4 stars). Excluded chapter from Dracula, for the best, I think. While this was enjoyable as a short story, it would have distracted from the flow of the novel, I think.
10)"The Vampire" by Jan Neruda (3 stars). Brief vignette about an encounter with the unexplained.
11)"Mrs. Amworth" by E.F. Benson (3 stars) Conventional vampire lore which is enhanced by an unusual setting and a dose of irony; evil can take the most innocent guise.
12)"Four Wooden Stakes" by Victor Roman (3 stars). Another routine case of vampirism, though the author does a good job of making the locale extraordinarily creepy.
13)"An Authenticated Vampire Story" (2 stars) by Dr. Franz Hartmann. Alleged true account of a vampire from an occult magazine. Take it as you will.
May 21, 2022
It was interesting to read the horror stories from more than a century ago but they did not seem as frightening as what horror offers us today. I found many to be interesting situations but the writing style is slightly different. Oftentimes a story would end with a sentence that didn't seem like could be the last sentence. Still very glad to an accumulation of these stories in a book to read. it is intriguing to know what people found to be frightening at the time
December 21, 2020
Meh. While it was enjoyable to read some “classic” tales, they were pretty mediocre. The art is pretty wacky though. Creepier than most of the stories.
March 14, 2023
I like old horror stories. This book has some classics and only one that doesn't belong.
October 4, 2024
Una antología muy completa de cuentos cortos de vampiros clásicos. Desde el terror gótico hasta el terror de la post-guerra. Una colección completísima de cuentos cortos de vampiros.
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November 13, 2024loved it! hard to find vamp anthologies this solid, but mostly all the stories stood on their own & provided intrigue & mischief on autumn nights
May 30, 2011
I was glad to finally read "Carmilla," the novella I'd been hearing for YEARS was partly the inspiration for (and a better version of) Bram Stoker's Dracula. I thought it would be interesting to read a lot of other turn-of-the-century vampire novels, as well, to get a different perspective on them.
While all of the vampires in these stories are the soulless monsters we once feared from legends and superstitions, it quickly grew just as repetitive as the modern idea of vampires as neutered love interests. With few exceptions, the stories are about some young, virtuous woman suddenly growing weak from mysterious causes, until the vampire is dispatched.
This might have been a good book to keep on my shelf so I could read them one at a time whenever I grew bored of the modern take on vampires. Reading them all at once, though, quickly grew tedious.
There were some interesting takes on the vampire mythos, though. In "The Harla," the vampire is presented as an invisible creature who sucks the main character's life force, and who's trapped inside his home. The vampire of "Good Lady Ducayne" is actually from a medical treatment, and the person benefiting from preying on the vital young woman's blood doesn't know that's what's going on. "The Transfer" also involves an unwitting vampire, and a rather unique end.
I would've enjoyed these stories a lot more if I hadn't read them all at once. So, while I'm grateful there's a volume where I can find them all, I wish I'd encountered them elsewhere, or been able to take them in one at a time.
While all of the vampires in these stories are the soulless monsters we once feared from legends and superstitions, it quickly grew just as repetitive as the modern idea of vampires as neutered love interests. With few exceptions, the stories are about some young, virtuous woman suddenly growing weak from mysterious causes, until the vampire is dispatched.
This might have been a good book to keep on my shelf so I could read them one at a time whenever I grew bored of the modern take on vampires. Reading them all at once, though, quickly grew tedious.
There were some interesting takes on the vampire mythos, though. In "The Harla," the vampire is presented as an invisible creature who sucks the main character's life force, and who's trapped inside his home. The vampire of "Good Lady Ducayne" is actually from a medical treatment, and the person benefiting from preying on the vital young woman's blood doesn't know that's what's going on. "The Transfer" also involves an unwitting vampire, and a rather unique end.
I would've enjoyed these stories a lot more if I hadn't read them all at once. So, while I'm grateful there's a volume where I can find them all, I wish I'd encountered them elsewhere, or been able to take them in one at a time.
September 30, 2012
This books is truly a couple of anthologies together, The Dracula great book of vampire stories and The Dracula great book of horror stories. They are 27 seven short stories of classic vampires and gothic horror like Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu, For the blood is the life by F. Marion Crawford, The Vampyre by Jan Neruda, The monkey's paw by W. W. Jacobs, The judge's house by Bram Stoker and The Wendigo by Algernon Blackwood.
I bought this book a few years after reading Dracula by Bram Stoker. I have always been a fan of vampire and horror stories, but when I did I knew very little English, still the book served me both to read some wonderful stories opening my mind to this wonderful XIX century short stories, but it also served me to increase my the nascent English vocabulary (now I believe I have forgotten more English and Spanish vocabulary than I learned then :P). And while I struggled to read these stories they filled my mind with wonderful and terrible places that I loved. This is, and will always be one of my favorite books because even within the same genre and theme, the stories were quite varied and unique in themselves.
I bought this book a few years after reading Dracula by Bram Stoker. I have always been a fan of vampire and horror stories, but when I did I knew very little English, still the book served me both to read some wonderful stories opening my mind to this wonderful XIX century short stories, but it also served me to increase my the nascent English vocabulary (now I believe I have forgotten more English and Spanish vocabulary than I learned then :P). And while I struggled to read these stories they filled my mind with wonderful and terrible places that I loved. This is, and will always be one of my favorite books because even within the same genre and theme, the stories were quite varied and unique in themselves.
December 14, 2010
I picked this up used for my vampire lit course. The title is misleading. These aren’t really about Dracula with a couple exceptions. It is, however, a collection of vampire short stories from the 1800 to mid-1900’s (being published back in 1980, I’m not sure it has anything newer than the 60’s in it but I can’t remember)
Notables in this are Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmila, an even earlier vampire story than Dracula and is a lesbian take on the subject. Guy de Maupassant’s The Horla is a study in psychological terror where you’re never sure if there is a vampire or if the narrator is insane. There is another Bram Stoker short in this, Dracula’s Guest which is also very good. There are 13 vampire stories in all
And unexpectedly halfway through the book, there is a collection of horror short stories, Charles Dickens Captain Murderer, Poe’s Pit and the Pendulum More Stoker, Maupassant, HG Wells and Lovecraft. There are 14 of these. If you like classics, this is a really good collection but I’m not sure it’s in print. Half price bookstore had several of them though at least in my area.
Notables in this are Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmila, an even earlier vampire story than Dracula and is a lesbian take on the subject. Guy de Maupassant’s The Horla is a study in psychological terror where you’re never sure if there is a vampire or if the narrator is insane. There is another Bram Stoker short in this, Dracula’s Guest which is also very good. There are 13 vampire stories in all
And unexpectedly halfway through the book, there is a collection of horror short stories, Charles Dickens Captain Murderer, Poe’s Pit and the Pendulum More Stoker, Maupassant, HG Wells and Lovecraft. There are 14 of these. If you like classics, this is a really good collection but I’m not sure it’s in print. Half price bookstore had several of them though at least in my area.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2013
This does exactly what it says on the cover! There are 13 stories about vampires, all published in the late 19th and early 20th century. There are some well known stories, like 'Carmilla' and 'The Horla', with a few lesser known ones, like 'Mrs Amworth' and 'Four Wooden Stakes'. There is even a 'lost' chapter from Bram Stoker's 'Dracula', which was cut to make the book shorter.
While modern stories are either more bloodthirsty or involve someone falling in love with the undead, there is a refined menace about these stories. The vampires are no less frightening and, in my opinion, more so with their subtle ways!
This is well worth reading to see where it all began! But you still can't beat Buffy!!
While modern stories are either more bloodthirsty or involve someone falling in love with the undead, there is a refined menace about these stories. The vampires are no less frightening and, in my opinion, more so with their subtle ways!
This is well worth reading to see where it all began! But you still can't beat Buffy!!
April 20, 2008
I found this for free on a giveaway cart at a public library. I'd read most of these short stories all ready but never realized it was the masterful but clearly insane Guy de Maupassant who wrote "Le Horla." Most of the tales are dated, but some are haunting, especially "Le Horla" and Algrenon Blackwood's "The Transfer," about, of all things, a vampiric patch of dirt. This is interesting mostly for vampire fans tracing a history of vampire literature.
October 12, 2010
i decided since i heart vampires so much that i should read some of the good old classics that began the infatuation for vampire literature long ago. most of these short tales are from the early 1900s all in one book! carmilla, the horla, good lady ducayne, dracula's guest are just a few and they've all stood the test of time. i feel like i'm more well rounded in my education of the vampire after reading these oldies.
October 18, 2015
These were interesting stories from the mid- to late-19th Century, into the early 20th Century. They were less focused on blood and gore and sex then our current vampire stories. For me, they were a breath of fresh "vampire" air. They were written in the time of Bram Stoker, and the collection even includes one Bram Stoker story. They are mostly very short, with one notable exception, and therefore make good fillers for short interludes.
April 29, 2011
old time vampires, and almost vampires. Algernon Blackwood is always good, loved the haunted garden. have to say that the Bram Stoker story was very good until the epilogue, which didn't make sense in any way and was a baffling reference that rather spoiled it.
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August 22, 2008Classic Vampire Stories by Leslie Shepard (1995)
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March 7, 2019For my dissertation, so I haven't read all of it
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