Dracula: The Novel and the Legend - A Study of Bram Stoker's Gothic Masterpiece

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Gothic & Romantic
Cover of the book Dracula: The Novel and the Legend - A Study of Bram Stoker's Gothic Masterpiece by Clive Leatherdale, Desert Island Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Clive Leatherdale ISBN: 9781908495105
Publisher: Desert Island Books Publication: October 10, 2012
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Clive Leatherdale
ISBN: 9781908495105
Publisher: Desert Island Books
Publication: October 10, 2012
Imprint:
Language: English

The resonant and awesome figure of Count Dracula. his Transylvanian lair, and his powers of supernatural evil, have imprinted themselves on the popular imagination, largely through the medium of the cinema. And yet, until now, no one has undertaken a detailed analysis of the source of our preconceptions about the greatest vampire of them all - "Dracula", by Bram Stoker, first published in 1897. This is the first in-depth critical study of Stoker's many-faceted novel, which has some claim to be one of the most influential books, at the level of popular culture, of the last hundred years. Dr Leatherdale begins by considering the folkloric and historical background of the novel and describes the development of the vampire legend in Europe and the life of the historical Dracula - the infamous Vlad the Impaler. He also provides a biographical account of Stoker himself and discusses the genesis of his most famous book. The main part of the study offers five interpretative perspectives, beginning with the pervasive and powerful sexual symbolism of the novel. Stoker's text is then analysed in terms of its Freudian overtones, its religious themes, its relationship to occult and literary myths, and its significance as a political and social allegory. For the student and general reader alike this is the ideal companion to what the authur argues is the cultural myth of the twentieth century. Reviews: "Leatherdale is thorough on picking up Dracula's many sexual symbols and echoes." (Times Literary Supplement). "This study should find itself on the shelves of all students of popular culture and literature." (British Book News). "The ever-intriguing, dark drama of Dracula never loses its hypnotic appeal under Leatherdale's direction." (Gothic). Leatherdale's exegesis of the Dracula phenomenon is absorbing." (Folklore).

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The resonant and awesome figure of Count Dracula. his Transylvanian lair, and his powers of supernatural evil, have imprinted themselves on the popular imagination, largely through the medium of the cinema. And yet, until now, no one has undertaken a detailed analysis of the source of our preconceptions about the greatest vampire of them all - "Dracula", by Bram Stoker, first published in 1897. This is the first in-depth critical study of Stoker's many-faceted novel, which has some claim to be one of the most influential books, at the level of popular culture, of the last hundred years. Dr Leatherdale begins by considering the folkloric and historical background of the novel and describes the development of the vampire legend in Europe and the life of the historical Dracula - the infamous Vlad the Impaler. He also provides a biographical account of Stoker himself and discusses the genesis of his most famous book. The main part of the study offers five interpretative perspectives, beginning with the pervasive and powerful sexual symbolism of the novel. Stoker's text is then analysed in terms of its Freudian overtones, its religious themes, its relationship to occult and literary myths, and its significance as a political and social allegory. For the student and general reader alike this is the ideal companion to what the authur argues is the cultural myth of the twentieth century. Reviews: "Leatherdale is thorough on picking up Dracula's many sexual symbols and echoes." (Times Literary Supplement). "This study should find itself on the shelves of all students of popular culture and literature." (British Book News). "The ever-intriguing, dark drama of Dracula never loses its hypnotic appeal under Leatherdale's direction." (Gothic). Leatherdale's exegesis of the Dracula phenomenon is absorbing." (Folklore).

More books from Desert Island Books

Cover of the book Halifax Town: From Ball to Lillis 1968-1999 by Clive Leatherdale
Cover of the book The Virgin Whore and Other Chinese Characters: Tiananmen, Travels and Traumas by Clive Leatherdale
Cover of the book Ipswich Town: Champions of England 1961-62 by Clive Leatherdale
Cover of the book To Dream of Pigs: Travels in South and North Korea by Clive Leatherdale
Cover of the book The Matt Busby Chronicles: Manchester United 1946-1969 by Clive Leatherdale
Cover of the book Champagne Cobblers: Northampton Town 1986-87 by Clive Leatherdale
Cover of the book Football's War and Peace: The Tumultuous Season of 1946-47 by Clive Leatherdale
Cover of the book Hammers Through the Looking Glass: An Alternative History of West Ham United by Clive Leatherdale
Cover of the book Dracula Unearthed by Clive Leatherdale
Cover of the book Bristol City: From Atyeo to Dicks - A Personal Memoir by Clive Leatherdale
Cover of the book Wimbledon: From Southern League to Premiership 1964-1995 by Clive Leatherdale
Cover of the book Chelsea: Champions of England 1954-55 by Clive Leatherdale
Cover of the book Bristol City: The Modern Era 1967-2007 by Clive Leatherdale
Cover of the book Red Dragons in Europe 1961-1998 by Clive Leatherdale
Cover of the book The Southend United Chronicles 1906-2006 by Clive Leatherdale
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy