Vampires: From Folklore to Fiction - Paperback

by Dana Jan Bartelt (Author)

Step into the intriguing world of vampire lore as my essay traces the captivating journey of these enigmatic creatures from the depths of folklore to the realms of fiction. Across centuries, societies have been gripped by superstitions surrounding vampires, their presence echoing through the folklore of diverse cultures, with a notable concentration in Eastern Europe. However, the landscape shifted dramatically in the late 19th century with the emergence of literary masterpieces such as John Polidori's "The Vampyre" and Bram Stoker's iconic "Dracula." These seminal works marked a pivotal moment in history, where vampires transcended their status as feared entities of reality to become enduring figures of fiction. Join me on an immersive exploration of this transformative evolution, uncovering the cultural, psychological, and literary forces that shaped the modern vampire archetype.

Note: As this was initially self-published for my own use, the footnotes are not formatted correctly. Forgive me.

Author Biography

I was born with the ability to control the elements, fire being the easiest. I suppose I should start at the beginning and tell you that I came about under unusual circumstances. My mother was a 30 year old who ran away from her life as a wandering gypsy because she dreamed of becoming a fire-breathing acrobat. My father was a 25 year old warlock who wanted to rule the world. Suffice to say, it did not work out.