At once glamorous and loathsome, vampires are among the most memorable figures in the literature and film of the horror genre. These undead beings, possessed of supernatural powers of metamorphosis and hypnotism, stalk the night for the blood of the living. They have fascinated and terrified generations of writers and readers. Here are 18 bone-chilling tales of these bloodsucking creatures of the night, written by some of the most distinguished writers of the genre.

From premier writers including Anne Rice and Bram Stoker, the stories in this collection represent some of the finest horror writing spanning the past two centuries. Here are gothic melodramas set in Russia and Germany, as well as more modern twists on the vampire legend that take place in contemporary England and the United States. These are tales of decadence, lust, and loathing; they capture the dark side of the human psyche, dead and undead. Making few concessions to the squeamish, the tales in this collection will keep readers awake at night.

Stories include:
• "Dracula's Guest" by Bram Stoker
• "Phantoms" by Ivan Turgenev
• "The Lovely Lady" by D.H. Lawrence
• "The Master of Rampling Gate" by Anne Rice
• "The Undead" by Robert Bloch

Each of these finely-crafted tales is guaranteed to leave readers with goosebumps.

A foreward from the late actor Peter Cushing, who starred in numerous vampire and horror films, is a fitting introduction to this collection of horrifying and captivating tales.

Prepare to be terrified as you enjoy some of the best vampire stories ever written ... if you dare.

asin: 051722867X binding: Hardcover list price: $7.99 USD amazon price: $7.99 USD other availability:

Posted by Vladimir Wed, 03/21/2007 - 20:34

 

Chapter 33: The Two Men

*noticing that some one is behind her, Saraphine stops and turns around in time to see the dashing man flying over head*

*not able to speak Saraphine just stands there as the beautiful lady walks up to them and listens to them talk*

Just as she is about to say something she and Lovely are put to sleep.

Saraphine Anura
14 May 2001

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Vampire Evolution

The modern idea of the vampire is open to many different possibilities. What defines a vampire? And where did these traits come from?

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The Dance of Dark and Light

She creeps up on silent feet, whispering in my ear to ready myself once again, for the first time....

We've shared this embrace, my long lost lover. Your pale hands wrapped round my wrist to drag me to this sea of moonlight.

And as we float on the shade and shadow, the bottom falls from beneath us and we plummet into the blackness.

That cold encasing blackness that fires my soul.

Did you miss me as much as I missed you, my dark beauty?

Did you miss our dance beneath the bright moon, full and heavy, dripping with ice?

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The Crimson Quill [vol. 1996]

A collection of poetry and prose submitted to VO in 1996.

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Past and recent vampires as symbols of changing sexual mores

Over the centuries, the vampire has undergone radical changes. From the Count in Bram Stoker's 1897 novel to the alcoholic New Yorker Sam in the 1997 film Habit, the figure of the vampire has evolved with society.

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