Dracula (Enriched Classics Series)
Average Rating: 4.0 Stars
by Bram Stoker
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Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 0743477367
Product Description
A true masterwork of storytelling, Dracula has transcended generation, language, and culture to become one of the most popular novels ever written. It is a quintessential tale of suspense and horror, boasting one of the most terrifying characters ever born in literature: Count Dracula, a tragic, night-dwelling specter who feeds upon the blood of the living, and whose diabolical passions prey upon the innocent, the helpless, and the beautiful. But Dracula also stands as a bleak allegorical saga of an eternally cursed being whose nocturnal atrocities reflect the dark underside of the supremely moralistic age in which it was originally written -- and the corrupt desires that continue to plague the modern human condition.
Pocket Books Enriched Classics present the great works of world literature enhanced for the contemporary reader. This edition of Dracula was prepared by Joseph Valente, Professor of English at the University of Illinois and the author of Dracula's Crypt: Bram Stoker, Irishness, and the Question of Blood, who provides insight into the racial connotations of this enduring masterpiece.
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Customer Reviews
Great Adventure, Better Metaphor
5 Stars
On the one hand, this books reads like a wordy, late 20th century action novel. The reader forgets the fact that this book is 100 years old--a credit to the author's skill and timelessness. The characters are well-treated, Mina is an excellent heroine, Van Helsing is unique and easy to like. The plot speaks for itself, with twists and turns to keep the reader entranced.
On the other hand, this is a work not be missed. Read metaphorically, evil is personified in Vampirism--particularly notable for the pop culture obsession nowadays. The origins, actions, effects--and release--of the worst evil imaginable are well drawn and worth contemplation. This is not a novel to address garden variety evil; Stoker's metaphor treats the most hair-raising extreme evil to its personification in Dracula, and the far-reaching effects to the sweet, determined Mina. Strange as it may sound, Dracula is a must-read for Christians, who will understand why after the last page is read. Moreover, this book is for anyone who asks how a just God can allow evil things to happen to innocent people, and should immediately be followed with Boethius' The Consolation of Philosophy: Revised Edition (Penguin Classics). There are some spiritual questions that can only be answered by metaphor; these two works should go a long way.
Interestingly, this book parallels Lord of the Rings in the banding together of friends to overcome unthinkable and insurmountable evil. Regardless of what level this classic is read on, it should be read! However, take my advice: Don't read it at night. :)
~ Lit Chic, The Lone Star State
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NEW DRAMATIC PRESENTATION OF 'DRACULA'.
5 Stars
Dracula (Enriched Classics Series)
It is SPLENDID. No book since Mary Shelly's FRANKENSTEIN, or indeed any other has come near the book, in originality, or terror. My dad says," I think it is the very best story of DIABLERIC which I have read for many years."
It is indeed wonderful, how with so much exciting interest over so long, there is never an anti-climax in the book. Despite such unbiased positive responses, while DRACULA sold well enough in the United Kingdom, it was at best considered a 'potboiler'. It came from STOKER'S research into the history and superstitions of Eastern Europe.
Hungarian Professor, Arminius Vanbery, helped Stoker a lot by telling him the history of the Romanian Prince, VLAD TEPES, better known as 'Dracul'. The idea for the book, came from a nightmare, some reviewers, claim. I feel obliged to tell that throughout much of the Tentieth Century and these early years of the Twenty First, too numerous enactments of Dracula have ranged from the dismal to depraved to diverting.
Fews months ago, there debuted in New York, a motion picture by CANADIAN DIRECTOR, GUY MADDIN: Dracula, pages from a Virgin's Diary. It's a filmed Ballet but VERY very good.
~ JESSICA'S DAD, Trichur East, Kerala State, India
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Dracula... Spooky Social Commentary
4 Stars
I read Dracula to get into the "Halloween spirit" if you will. My father read this to me when I was quite young (I had an odd childhood) and I had only vague recollections of the novel which were somewhat tainted by the movie starring Bela Lugosi. Bram Stoker's Dracula is different... mustached, for one, with hair growing on his palms.
Stoker tells the story through his character's journals and letters. The beginning, told through the voice of imprisoned Jonathan Harker, is by far the most exciting part of the novel. We are later introduced to other characters: the flighty yet virtuous Lucy and her many suitors, Jonathan Harker's fiance, the emboldened and wise Mina, and of course Van Helsing, the original vampire slayer. Dracula's pursuit of Lucy is also riveting, but after the characters finally catch on to Dracua's game, the ending is drawn out and the story becomes wearisome, as do the men's ferventl protection of their women's honor. Feminists, you may feel nautious. After the first section, we see very little of the most interesting title character, and are instead subjected to lectures from the verbose Van Helsing.
Dracula is truly a Victorian novel told by an author whose ideal virginal woman is threatened by the bloodthirsty vampire. Similar to Frankenstein, a novel that cautions against scientific advances, Dracula cautions against seemingly immoral social changes. Count Dracula is supposed to be a despicable monster, yet recent adaptations of the story have turned him into a sympathetic character. (There is absolutely no mention in the book of Dracula's love affair with a woman who looks like Mina. There is no mention of Dracula ever having loved anyone.) I have a feeling Stoker would be disappointed, but not surprised.
All of these many years later, I found parts of the story disturbing even for the 21st century: especially the sacks Dracula brings his brides...
A classic worth reading!
~ H. Jennings, Rochester, NY
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Excellent book
5 Stars
A little lengthy for me, but it really is neccessary to create an amazing setting and character desrciption. Stoker truly creates a very rustic and creepy setting. The only problem I had with the book is the ending. It's not surprise what the ending is, but in comparison to Lucy's 'deal', the count's just doesn't live up to your own hype as you read.
Excellent book though! Now I only wish someone would make a GOOD movie from the book. Not some lame 'play' on film.
~ Adam,
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