Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood by James Malcolm Rymer

The following romance is collected from seemingly the most authentic sources, and the Author must leave the question of credibility entirely to his readers, not even thinking that he his peculiarly called upon to express his own opinion upon the subject. THE unprecedented success of the romance of Varney the Vampyre, leave the Author but little to say further, than that he accepts that success and its results as gratefully as it is possible for any one to do popular favours.Ī belief in the existence of Vampyres first took its rise in Norway and Sweden, from whence it rapidly spread to more southern regions, taking a firm hold of the imaginations of the more credulous portion of mankind. Both editions are enriched by many atmospheric woodcut illustrations. This volume, the first of a two-book set, features an Introduction by noted science-fiction/fantasy editor E.

Scarcely any copies of the original edition survive, yet this legendary 'feast of blood' continues to captivate readers with its inexplicable deaths, impossible escapes, revivifications, and graveyard rituals.

Varney the Vampyre not only thrilled countless eager readers but also established many of the conventions and ideas associated with vampirism. A succession of exciting episodes chronicle the horrible fates of Varney's victims as well as the terrifying experiences of the band of comrades sworn to destroy the vampire. Printed anonymously in serial form in 1847, these gripping tales recount the exploits of a deathless creature with an insatiable appetite for blood. The woodcuts and other visual embellishments help capture the mood and feel of the original publications.' - Society Nineteenīefore there was Dracula, there was Varney the Vampyre, the most famous of the sensational penny dreadfuls issued by Victorian-era publishers. Of interest to fans of vampire fiction but also those interested in Victoriana, penny dreadfuls, and trends in popular fiction generally. 'Dover does their usual wonderful - and visually rich - job in this edition of the penny dreadful vampire tales.

Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood by James Malcolm Rymer