Dracula (1897) By Bram Stoker

"There was one great tomb more lordly than all the rest; huge it was, and nobly proportioned. On it was but one word, DRACULA."

After such a joyous experience when reading Frankenstein, I was more than eager to return to classic literature, and to enter into this most famous of tales. It is, without question, the most notable work of horror the world has known, and some work it is.

"Even if she be not harmed, her heart may fail her in so much and so many horrors; and hereafter she may suffer - both in waking, from her nerves, and in sleep, from her dreams."

The gothic horror genre is defined by Bram Stoker's work of genius, as is horror in the broader guise. Few pieces of literature have seen so many adaptations spawned from them as this most esteemed story, and with good reason.

"I sometimes think we must be all mad and that we shall wake to sanity in strait-waistcoats."

I shall proclaim that, and this will be my final comparison to Frankenstein, whilst the aforementioned novel of Mary Shelley is more quotable, Stoker's narrative flows more smoothly, and is more readable in prolonged sessions.

"Do you not think that there are things which you cannot understand, and yet which are; that some people see things that others cannot?...Ah, it is the fault of our science that it wants to explain all; and if it explain not, then it says there is nothing to explain."

As one can imagine from the period in which the story was published, as well as the esteem in which it is held, the dictation is astoundingly excellent. Such language is often so joyous to read, particularly with such a delectable use of vocabulary.

"For life be, after all, only a waitin' for somethin' else than what we're doin'; and death be all that we can rightly depend on."

The enthralling and entrancing manner in which the narrative builds and progresses is such that each new page brings with it a new point of intrigue, suspense and fascination. The further I journeyed into the book, the harder it became to leave it be, until, finally, I could not help but surrender myself to the suspense of the piece, and read to the story's conclusion.

"It is really wonderful how much resilience there is in human nature. Let any obstructing cause, no matter what, be removed in any way, even by death, and we fly back to first principles of hope and enjoyment."

There will, I am certain, be no surprise in my ravings towards Dracula. After all, there are over a century's ravings that have preceeded my own, and with oh-so-good reason. This was undoubtedly one of the finest books I have had the pleasure of reading, and will, undoubtedly, stay with me indefinitely.

"But we are strong, each in our purpose, and we are all more strong together."