Dracula

Bram Stoker's Dracula explores deep cultural anxieties through the tale of a vampire's terror and the battle between good and evil.

Restless Classics presents Bram Stoker’s gothic masterpiece of horror, Dracula, beautifully illustrated by Kaitlin Chan and accompanied by a new introduction and foreword from acclaimed authors Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Alexander Chee. Since its initial release in 1897, Dracula has voiced some of society's most profound anxieties, including fears surrounding sexuality, xenophobia, and the distrust of those who seem different. Stoker's Count Dracula stands as one of literature's most recognizable figures, embodying a terror that transcends his familiar caped and fanged image. His true menace extends beyond mere bloodlust, revealing a sinister ability to conceal his malevolence behind a facade of power and privilege.

When Jonathan Harker discovers Count Dracula's dark secret, he inadvertently ignites a battle between good and evil with catastrophic outcomes. The innocent Lucy Westenra becomes a victim of the vampire's curse, while Mina Harker narrowly avoids a horrific transformation. The relentless Abraham Van Helsing confronts the formidable Count in a struggle that risks both life and afterlife. In her introduction, Silvia Moreno-Garcia highlights how this ancient threat emerging in a modern setting introduced a groundbreaking aspect to vampire lore, one that resonates deeply in today’s world: the portrayal of vampires as victims of the same chaos they unleash.

Alexander Chee's foreword situates the novel within the context of Stoker’s potentially queer literary circle and examines our evolving fascination with horror and its monsters. Dracula serves as a profound exploration of the unknown and a cautionary tale reminding us that evil often disguises itself within the ordinary, waiting patiently for an invitation.