He had just unleashed one of the most famed gothic horror books on the world, a blood-curdling classic that chilled readers and has inspired countless authors, film-makers and video game developers ever since.But a rare note thatBram Stokerwrote only weeks after Dracula was published in 1897 gives a glimpse into the playful fun he must have had with the novel.In the letter – addressed to an unidentified “Williams” – Stoker writes: “I send you Dracula & have honoured myself by writing your name in it … Lord forgive me. I am quite shameless. Yours ever, Bram Stoker.”View image in fullscreenBram Stoker.Photograph: AlamyOliver Bayliss, of Bayliss Rare Books in London,who sold the letter, said the note was personal, informal and revealing. Stoker was better known for his reserved and professional tone in the few letters that have survived but this one suggested an awareness of his book’s gothic extravagance and, perhaps, a playful pride in its dark theatricality. Bayliss said letters by Stoker were rare and ones in which he mentioned Dracula by name virtually unheard of.“Less than a handful are known to exist, and those are typically formal acknowledgments. By contrast, this letter is informal, insightful, and dated just weeks after the book’s publication, making it one of the earliest and most candid authorial commentaries on the now-legendary novel.“This letter gives us something we’ve never really had before: Stoker’s own voice, responding to Dracula around the moment it entered the world – not as an icon of horror, but as a new, uncertain work.“Stoker’s humorous aside, ‘Lord forgive me. I am quite shameless’ has the ring of an artist knowingly pushing the boundaries of the gothic and enjoying it. It’s theatrical, cheeky, and utterly authentic. That tone simply doesn’t appear in his other known correspondence on the subject.”Bayliss said there was what could be another word – or just a squiggle – in the “shameless” sentence: “I struggled with that but from deep review and looking even with a magnifying glass, I think it is just a squiggle, a typo. However, it could be ‘now’ which makes the quote all the more potent.”Bayliss, who sells to institutions and private collectors, said: “Given the extraordinary rarity of this letter, it will have strong appeal to both. There’s also crossover with film and pop culture collectors, especially those with an eye on iconic 20th-century monsters.“I could also see investor interest. Dracula is one of the most sought-after first editions in rare book collecting, and a letter signed by Stoker, directly referencing the vampire and revealing his early thoughts on the novel, is essentially one in a billion. Rarer than seeing a vampire in daylight.”skip past newsletter promotionSign up toBookmarksFree weekly newsletterDiscover new books and learn more about your favourite authors with our expert reviews, interviews and news stories. Literary delights delivered direct to youEnter your email addressSign upPrivacy Notice:Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see ourPrivacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the GooglePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Serviceapply.after newsletter promotionThe letter came from a seller on the west coast of the US, who had acquired it from a private collection where it had been since the 1970s. The piece was sold to an as yet unnamed buyer on Wednesday for £15,000.Bayliss said: “It’s rather special to bring the letter back to the city where Dracula was first published – and where the letter was, in all likelihood, written while Stoker was managing the Lyceum Theatre.”This article was amended on 16 April 2025 to add information about the inclusion of a squiggle – or the word “now” – in Bram Stoker’s sentence about being shameless.
Rare letter offers glimpse into Bram Stoker’s early thoughts on Dracula
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Bram Stoker's Letter Offers Insight into His Early Reflections on 'Dracula'"
The Guardian
9.1
TruthLens AI Summary
A recently surfaced letter written by Bram Stoker shortly after the publication of his iconic novel 'Dracula' in 1897 provides a rare insight into the author's initial thoughts and feelings about his work. In this informal note addressed to an unnamed recipient known as 'Williams,' Stoker expresses a personal connection to the book, humorously remarking, "Lord forgive me. I am quite shameless." This candid correspondence contrasts sharply with Stoker's typically reserved tone in his surviving letters, suggesting that he was not only aware of the gothic extravagance of his creation but also took pride in its theatricality. This letter, described by Oliver Bayliss of Bayliss Rare Books as one of the earliest and most revealing commentaries from Stoker about 'Dracula,' captures the author in a moment of excitement and uncertainty as his novel was just entering the literary world.
Bayliss notes the rarity of such letters from Stoker, particularly those that mention 'Dracula' by name, as most existing letters tend to be formal acknowledgments. The letter's informal tone and Stoker's playful expression of creativity make it a unique artifact, likely to appeal to collectors from various backgrounds, including those interested in literature, film, and pop culture. The piece was recently sold for £15,000 to an unnamed buyer, and its return to London, where 'Dracula' was first published, adds a layer of significance to its historical value. The letter not only serves as a personal insight into Stoker's mindset but also highlights the enduring legacy of 'Dracula' and its impact on subsequent generations of writers and creators.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article reveals a rare glimpse into Bram Stoker's thoughts shortly after the publication of his iconic novel, Dracula. It emphasizes a personal correspondence that showcases Stoker's playful side, contrasting with his typically reserved demeanor. This finding not only adds depth to Stoker's character but also highlights the significance of his work in the gothic horror genre.
Objective of the Article
The intention behind this report appears to be to celebrate and contextualize the significance of Stoker's letter. By showcasing this personal note, the article aims to enhance appreciation for Stoker's literary contributions and evoke interest in his work, particularly Dracula. It also serves to engage readers with a sense of historical discovery and the human aspect of authorship.
Public Perception
The article likely aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia and curiosity among readers. It fosters an appreciation for classic literature and invites the audience to explore Dracula anew, possibly influencing renewed interest in gothic horror. The informal tone of the letter, as detailed in the article, can also create a more relatable image of Stoker, making him seem less like an aloof literary figure and more like a passionate artist.
Potential Omissions
There seems to be no direct indication that the article is trying to conceal information. Instead, it focuses on a specific aspect of Stoker's life and work, which is relatively well-documented. The piece does not delve into any controversies surrounding Stoker or Dracula, nor does it address the broader cultural implications of the novel's themes.
Manipulative Elements
The article does not exhibit significant manipulative tendencies. It presents the letter's content in a straightforward manner, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions about Stoker's character and the impact of his work. The language used is evocative but does not appear to be aimed at misleading or inflating Stoker's significance artificially.
Trustworthiness of the Information
The article presents credible information by referencing an expert in rare books, Oliver Bayliss. His insights into the rarity and significance of the letter lend authenticity to the piece. The historical context surrounding Stoker and Dracula is well-established, adding to the article's reliability.
Cultural Impact
The discussion surrounding Stoker's playful acknowledgment of his work invites broader contemplation on the nature of artistic expression and the reception of literary works. The article may inspire discussions in literary circles about the evolution of horror literature and the author's role in shaping genre expectations.
Target Audience
The article appears to target literary enthusiasts, scholars, and fans of gothic horror. It may also appeal to general readers interested in historical artifacts and the personal lives of authors. By highlighting a rare letter, it engages those who appreciate literary history and the human stories behind classic works.
Financial Implications
While the article does not directly discuss financial markets, the interest in Stoker's work could have implications for the literary collectibles market. Rare letters and manuscripts often see increased value and interest, potentially affecting prices for collectors and investors in literary artifacts.
Geopolitical Relevance
The article does not have a significant geopolitical angle. However, it does reflect the enduring global fascination with horror literature, which can transcend cultural boundaries and remain relevant in contemporary discussions about storytelling and its impact.
Use of AI in Writing
It is possible that AI tools were utilized in crafting this article, particularly in organizing and structuring the content. However, the unique insights and analysis from the expert referenced indicate a human touch in the interpretation of the letter and its implications for understanding Stoker's work. In summary, the article serves as a valuable exploration of Bram Stoker's early thoughts on Dracula, enhancing appreciation for his literary legacy while remaining trustworthy and engaging for a diverse audience.