Rare Bram Stoker Letter Post-'Dracula' Sale for €17,500 Reveals Playful Insights into Iconic Novel

April 18, 2025
Rare Bram Stoker Letter Post-'Dracula' Sale for €17,500 Reveals Playful Insights into Iconic Novel
  • The letter's rarity and Stoker's connection to the iconic character of Dracula make it highly appealing to collectors, particularly those interested in film and pop culture.

  • Auctioned by Bayliss Rare Books in London for £15,000, the letter underscores Stoker's literary legacy.

  • Stoker's 'Dracula' is regarded as a masterpiece of English literature, significantly shaping the vampire mythos in popular culture.

  • Addressed to an unidentified recipient named 'Williams', the letter humorously remarks on the arrival of Count Dracula, showcasing Stoker's playful engagement with his gothic creation.

  • Sourced from a private collection on the west coast of the US, the letter is now returning to London, where 'Dracula' was first published.

  • This letter is particularly significant as it is the first known correspondence from Stoker following the release of 'Dracula', offering a unique glimpse into his thoughts.

  • The closing line, 'Lord, forgive me, I am bold', highlights Stoker's ironic self-awareness regarding the character he created.

  • Bayliss emphasizes that letters signed by Stoker referencing 'Dracula' are exceptionally rare, making this letter particularly valuable.

  • A rare letter from Bram Stoker, written shortly after the publication of his iconic novel 'Dracula' in 1897, has been sold for €17,500.

  • Oliver Bayliss, the auction house owner, suggests that this letter illustrates Stoker's understanding of the complex interplay between fiction and reality, akin to his character Jonathan Harker.

  • Bayliss describes the letter as a unique piece that demonstrates Stoker's awareness of the gothic nature of his novel and his enjoyment of its theatricality.

  • The letter's intimate and informal tone contrasts sharply with Stoker's typically reserved and professional correspondence, revealing his personal reflections.

Summary based on 2 sources


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