Abraham "Bram" Stoker
- Born:
- 8 November 1847, Clontarf, Dublin, Ireland
- Died:
- 20 April 1912, London, England
- Nationality:
- Irish
- Profession(s):
- Novelist, Short Story Writer, Theatre Manager
Early Life and Education
- Stoker was bedridden with illness until the age of seven, which provided time for his mother to entertain him with Irish folklore and ghost stories.
- He attended Trinity College, Dublin, where he excelled in athletics, particularly in track and field.
- Graduated with a degree in Mathematics in 1870.
Career and Major Achievements
- Worked as a civil servant at Dublin Castle for several years.
- Served as the personal assistant and business manager for actor Henry Irving and London's Lyceum Theatre from 1878 until Irving's death in 1905. This role provided him with extensive theatrical experience and access to London's elite.
- During his time at the Lyceum, he toured extensively, broadening his horizons and introducing him to different cultures.
- Published numerous novels and short stories, but is best known for his gothic horror novel, Dracula.
- While there is no official "bram stoker biography book" endorsed by Stoker himself, many biographies explore his life and impact.
Notable Works
- Novels:
- Dracula (1897)
- The Snake's Pass (1890)
- The Watter's Mou' (1895)
- The Mystery of the Sea (1902)
- The Jewel of Seven Stars (1903)
- The Lady of the Shroud (1909)
- The Lair of the White Worm (1911)
- Short Story Collections:
- Under the Sunset (1881)
- Dracula's Guest and Other Weird Stories (1914)
Legacy and Impact
Bram Stoker's Dracula has had an enduring impact on popular culture, shaping the modern vampire myth and inspiring countless adaptations in literature, film, and television. His contributions to the gothic horror genre have cemented his place as a significant figure in literary history.