The Vampyre
The Vampyre
First published 1819 · 55 pages · about 1 hour to read
Read free on Project Gutenberg · Find in a library
About this book
The Vampyre*, a short gothic novel by John William Polidori, was first published in 1819 and is considered the first modern vampire story. The story features Lord Ruthven, a seductive aristocrat with unnatural powers over men and women, and an insatiable thirst for blood. Polidori's innovative portrayal of the vampire as a Byronic figure is said to have set the template for the modern vampire.
Quotes
“I trod the floors with the same feelings of awe and respect as we did, together, those of Shakespeare's dwelling at Stratford.”
“I can fancy him like the scathed pine, whilst all around was sunk to repose, still waking to observe, what gave but a weak image of the storms which had desolated his own breast.”
“Apparently, the light laughter of the fair only attracted his attention, that he might by a look quell it, and throw fear into those breasts where thoughtlessness reigned.”
“But why attempt to describe charms which all feel, but none can appreciate?--It was innocence, youth, and beauty, unaffected by crowded drawing-rooms and stifling balls.”
“Her step was not that light footing, which strays where'er a butterfly or a colour may attract--it was sedate and pensive.”
Passages chosen with AI from the book's public-domain text on Project Gutenberg.
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