By Bram Stoker

Bram Stoker's Dracula, first published in 1897, remains one of the most iconic and influential novels in the Gothic literary tradition. More than a simple horror story, Dracula is a rich tapestry of Victorian anxieties, cultural tensions, and symbolic complexity. Through its epistolary structure and vivid characters, the novel explores themes of modernity versus antiquity, sexuality and repression, imperialism, and the supernatural. It is a work that not only defined the vampire genre but also reflected the fears and fascinations of its time.

The late 19th century was a period of profound transformation in Britain. The Industrial Revolution had ushered in an age of technological innovation and scientific progress, while the British Empire stood at the height of its global influence. Yet beneath this veneer of confidence lay deep-seated anxieties about degeneration, foreign invasion, and the erosion of traditional values. Dracula captures these tensions through its central antagonist, Count Dracula, a foreign aristocrat who threatens the sanctity of British society. His arrival in England symbolizes a reverse colonization, where the East invades the West, challenging notions of cultural superiority and national security.

Stoker’s use of the epistolary format—comprising diaries, letters, newspaper articles, and ship logs—serves to ground the supernatural elements of the story in a framework of realism and documentation. This narrative technique reflects the Victorian obsession with empirical evidence and rationality, even as the characters confront a force that defies scientific explanation. The juxtaposition of modern tools such as typewriters and phonographs with ancient folklore and religious symbols underscores the novel’s central conflict between progress and the past.

One of the most compelling aspects of Dracula is its exploration of sexuality and repression. Victorian society was marked by strict moral codes, particularly regarding gender roles and sexual behavior. The novel subverts these norms through the seductive and transgressive nature of vampirism. Characters like Lucy Westenra and Mina Harker become battlegrounds for these tensions, as their encounters with Dracula blur the lines between victimhood and desire. The act of bloodsucking, laden with erotic undertones, becomes a metaphor for the loss of innocence and the threat of moral corruption.

Religion plays a crucial role in the narrative, often positioned as the ultimate defense against the vampire’s evil. Crucifixes, holy water, and sacred rites are employed alongside scientific reasoning, suggesting a synthesis of faith and logic in the fight against darkness. This duality reflects the Victorian struggle to reconcile religious belief with the rise of secularism and scientific thought.

Dracula also engages with the theme of identity and duality. Count Dracula himself embodies contradictions: he is both man and monster, aristocrat and predator, host and parasite. His ability to transform into animals and control the elements adds to his mystique and reinforces his role as a symbol of the uncanny. The characters who oppose him—Jonathan Harker, Van Helsing, Dr. Seward, and others—represent various facets of Victorian society, from legal and medical professions to religious authority, united in their mission to restore order.

The legacy of Dracula is vast and enduring. It established many of the conventions of vampire fiction and inspired countless adaptations across literature, film, and popular culture. Count Dracula has become a cultural archetype, embodying both fear and fascination. The novel’s rich symbolism and thematic depth continue to invite critical analysis, from psychoanalytic and feminist readings to postcolonial and queer interpretations.

In conclusion, Bram Stoker’s Dracula is far more than a tale of terror. It is a mirror reflecting the complexities of its time, a narrative that intertwines the rational and the irrational, the modern and the ancient, the sacred and the profane. Its enduring power lies in its ability to evoke fear while provoking thought, making it a masterpiece of Gothic literature and a cornerstone of cultural history.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 284p.

By R. L. Stevenson. Edited by Colin Heston

"Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is a novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1886. The story explores the duality of human nature through the character of Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respected scientist who creates a potion that transforms him into the sinister and violent Mr. Edward Hyde. As Hyde, Jekyll indulges in immoral acts without fear of social repercussions. The narrative delves into themes of identity, morality, and the struggle between good and evil within the human soul. The novella is renowned for its suspenseful and gothic atmosphere, as well as its profound psychological insights.
In addition to Jekyll and Hyde, this volume features a mix of Stevenson’s essays, short stories, and other literary works. The Swanston Edition iis known for its comprehensive and authoritative compilation of Stevenson's oeuvre, providing readers with a deep dive into his diverse literary contributions. Additional stories and writings in this volume include:.
Thrawn Janet. A short story, first published in 1881. Set in a small Scottish village, the tale revolves around the mysterious and eerie events surrounding Janet, an old woman believed to be a witch. The story is narrated by the local minister, who recounts Janet's unsettling behavior and the supernatural occurrences that follow her arrival. The narrative is steeped in gothic elements and explores themes of superstition, fear, and the clash between rationality and the supernatural.
More New Arabian Nights, The Dynamiter. A collection of linked short stories co-written by Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife, Fanny Van de Grift Stevenson. Published in 1885, the stories are set in London and revolve around the adventures of various characters entangled in plots involving dynamite and political intrigue. The collection is a sequel to Stevenson's earlier work "New Arabian Nights" and continues to employ a similar structure of interconnected tales. Themes of adventure, mystery, and social commentary are prevalent throughout the stories.
This volume has been carefully edited and redesigned by Colin Heston, renowned novelist and story writer, to make the book more comprehensible to the present-day reader.

Read-Me.Org Inc. NY-Phila.-Australia. 2025. 193p.

By Robert Louis Stevenson. Edited by Colin Heston

"The New Arabian Nights" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a captivating collection of short stories that showcases his talent for blending adventure, mystery, and humor. Volume 4 of his works includes these tales, which are inspired by the classic "Arabian Nights" but set in contemporary Europe.

The Suicide Club: The collection opens with "The Suicide Club," a trilogy of stories that revolve around Prince Florizel of Bohemia and his loyal companion, Colonel Geraldine. They stumble upon a secret society where members gamble with their lives, seeking an escape from their troubles through death. The stories are filled with suspense, intrigue, and Stevenson's signature wit, as the prince and the colonel navigate dangerous situations to uncover the club's dark secrets.

The Rajah's Diamond: Another notable story is "The Rajah's Diamond," which is divided into four parts. It follows the adventures of a priceless diamond and the various characters who come into possession of it. The diamond's journey leads to a series of thrilling and unexpected events, showcasing Stevenson's ability to weave complex plots and create memorable characters.

Other Stories: The volume also includes other engaging tales such as "The Pavilion on the Links," a story of love, betrayal, and revenge set against the backdrop of a remote Scottish coast, and "A Lodging for the Night," which features the infamous French poet François Villon and his escapades in medieval Paris.

"The New Arabian Nights" is a testament to Stevenson's versatility as a writer. Each story is rich with vivid descriptions, dynamic characters, and a blend of humor and suspense. Stevenson's ability to transport readers to different settings and immerse them in the adventures of his characters makes this collection a delightful and compelling read. Volume 4 of his works highlights Stevenson's skill in crafting engaging narratives that continue to captivate readers with their originality and charm.

Australia. Read-Me.Org. Inc. 2025. 197p.

MAY CONTAIN MARKUP

By Henry James

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James is a classic gothic novella that delves into the realms of psychological horror and suspense. The story follows a governess who is hired to care for two orphaned children at a remote estate in the English countryside. As she begins her duties, she starts to experience strange and eerie occurrences, convinced that the children are under the influence of malevolent spirits.

James masterfully weaves a tale of ambiguity, leaving readers questioning the governess's sanity and the true nature of the entities haunting the children. With its chilling atmosphere, subtle psychological tension, and unsettling ambiguity, The Turn of the Screw is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate readers with its haunting narrative and enigmatic characters.

NY. Macmillan. Gutenberg Project. 1898. 107p.