Dracula (The Gothic Chronicles Collection): Deluxe Edition (Harper Curated Classics: The Gothic Chronicles Collection)

Jonathan Harker, a newly qualified solicitor, is sent by his employer, Mr. Hawkins, to assist a foreign customer with the legal intricacies of his move to London. The customer in question, a Count Dracula, lives in faraway Transylvania. Harker keeps a detailed journal of his travels across Europe to meet with his client. When he is almost at his journey’s end, he finds the villagers of Bistritz friendly and welcoming… until they learn where he is going. They are reluctant to see him leave them, but they offer no valid reason as to why he shouldn’t go to the castle, so off he goes. The Count lives in a large, imposing castle that sits in splendid isolation on the top of a rocky cliff. But from the beginning, Harker senses something strange about the place and its odd owner. He sees no sign of anyone else there, not a single servant. And why is the Count always busy during the daylight hours? And why does he never see Dracula eat or drink? And then there are the dreams, of three lovely young women who seem to want him… Things take a turn for the worse when Dracula dictates three letters that Harker must write to his loved ones. Suddenly, he is not so sure he will return home safely… Mina Murray is Harker’s fiancée. She works as an assistant schoolmistress. Her best friend is Lucy Westenra, a vivacious young woman who attracts any manner of male admirers. In fact, on one memorable day, she receives three proposals of marriage! What is a girl to do? One is from Arthur Holmwood, Lord Godalming. The second is from John Seward, who runs an insane asylum. The third would-be suitor is Quincy Morris, a Texan and friend of Seward and Holmwood. Mina invites Lucy for a visit, and they happily renew their friendship as they discuss Lucy’s engagement to the suitor she has finally accepted. Dr. Seward has a very interesting patient by the name of Renfield, whom he classifies as zoophagous, because he likes to eat living things, such as flies and spiders. Seward notices changes taking place in Renfield that he can’t explain, while Mina is concerned that she hasn’t heard from Jonathan for some time, and she worries for him. She receives a letter concerning him and hastens to be by his side. A strange ship, the Demeter, runs aground just below the cliff where Lucy and Mina are wont to sit, but no one is at the helm and there is no sign of the crew. Lucy has begun to sleepwalk before Mina’s departure, and now she falls mysteriously ill, to the dismay of those who love her. A desperate Dr. Seward reaches out to a colleague in Amsterdam, a Doctor Abraham Van Helsing, who hurries to London to assist in diagnosing Lucy’s condition. He fears that what is wrong with Lucy is beyond the pale of most men’s experience and her friends will find it difficult to believe what is happening to her if he were to tell them. But he will need their help in order to save her. Meanwhile, Mina is nursing Jonathan back to health at the convent where he was brought after his escape from the castle, and there they are married. She finds his journal and reads it, horrified at what it reveals. To make herself useful, and to facilitate future reading of her husband’s words, she transcribes the journal onto paper. On their return to London, she is devastated to learn what has happened to Lucy. Drawn together in their sorrow, she and the others realize something dreadful is about to descend on London – in fact, already has. They must band together to prevent Count Dracula’s dastardly plans from coming to fruition! Dracula is the quintessential vampire novel, a true classic. It is the origin of most of the vampire stories that came after. There have been countless film adaptations, some better than others, including Nosferatu, which was actually a rip-off for which the filmmakers were sued for not obtaining permission from Stoker’s estate. Now long out of copyright, copycats abound. But this is the core story that began it all. Dracula is told through journal entries, newspaper clippings, and phonograph entries by those most closely involved in the story, with the notable exception of Dracula himself. We get no glimpse into him, either as a person or a vampire, except through the words he speaks to others. I have to wonder if that is deliberate and, if so, why. We today are so familiar with this story that it’s hard to imagine what the reactions of Stoker’s contemporaries were on first reading the book. I first read the novel when I was about twelve and fell in love with it immediately. Of all the movies I have seen, the one that comes closest to doing justice to the novel is Coppola’s version, but I do enjoy a good Hammer film. Nothing beats the novel, however. I highly recommend it if you want to know the truth. You won’t regret it.

This book is needed in any collection. It’s hard back and has beautiful pages. You will not be disappointed in this book and how beautiful it is.

“Dracula” is one of those novels that never loses its grip on your imagination, no matter how many times you read it. This edition from The Gothic Chronicles Collection adds even more depth to the experience with its stunning design and high-quality binding. 🦇 Why I loved this version: • Gorgeous presentation — The cover art is dark and dramatic, perfectly setting the tone. The embossed detailing gives it a collectible feel. • Excellent readability — The font is classic but easy on the eyes, and the pages feel smooth and durable. • Faithful to the original — Bram Stoker’s epistolary style remains chilling and immersive, with a narrative that slowly builds dread in the most delicious way. • Perfect for gothic fiction lovers — Whether you’re a first-time reader or returning to it, this edition makes the story feel even more atmospheric. I bought this as a gift for a friend (and kept one for myself!). If you’re curating a personal library or love classic horror, this is a must-have.

This was a gift for my niece she absolutley loved it. Very nice looking and good quality.

Very nice cover and design. It has a ribbon book mark that is handy. As others have mentioned it is printed on extremely thin paper where you can see the print of the back of the page through the front. Is it still readable, yes. Does it annoy me just a little? Also, yes. But overall, it's nice to have a pretty hardback of a classic for a low cost.

I read so many negative reviews about thinness of pages and how the pages are see through and the writing is too small. DONT LISTEN TO THOSE REVIEWS. The pages are fine, unless you are manhandling the book, it will be fine. The pages are see through, but not enough to make it impossible to read, and the writing is pretty normal sized for a book. Also, yes, the back of the book does have the price tag printed on it, but hopefully you are not only buying this for the aesthetic, as it is a classic and not meant for just the aesthetic. Great purchase, I recommend it.

This edition is beautiful. The only copy I wanted to buy on amazon. I care a lot about how my books look, and this one checks my boxes as looking haunting, but not tacky. Simple, yet stands out.

Great book

Ótimo livro... um clássico que complementa qualquer coleção!

I recently purchased the Deluxe Hardbound Edition of Dracula by Bram Stoker, and I am beyond pleased with this addition to my collection. The hardcover edition is exquisitely crafted, with a compelling cover design that honors the gothic essence of the story. The pages are thick and sturdy, making it a durable choice for those who, like me, plan to revisit this chilling tale often. As for the story itself, Dracula remains a cornerstone of gothic literature, weaving a tale of mystery and horror that has stood the test of time. Stoker’s ability to build suspense and his innovative use of multiple narratives create a deeply immersive experience. The characters are complex and memorable, from the cunning Count Dracula to the steadfast Van Helsing. This edition also includes insightful annotations that enhance the reading experience, providing context to the Victorian era's cultural nuances and exploring the novel’s enduring impact on horror literature and modern vampire lore. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Stoker’s work or a newcomer to his chilling narrative, this Deluxe Hardbound Edition of Dracula is a must-have. It promises not only a gripping read but also a stunning display piece for your library. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates a touch of horror wrapped in a magnificent cover!

Excellent read, better than the original.

Es sieht wirklich super aus! Das Cover schimmert golden, wie auf dem Foto. Seiten sind angenehm dick und es hat eine schöne Schrift. Ist ein super Geschenk!! Der Preis passt absolut zur tollen Qualität. Lohnt sich wirklich.

Está lindo! Por un lado siento que si hubiese teñido ilustraciones como la de al principio, estaría más bonito sin embargo está la otra parte donde está bien que no haya estado retacado de imágenes puesto que eso a veces le quita protagonismo a la historia. Drácula es de mis historias favoritas.