The Vampyre; a Tale

This classic vampire tale has inspired authors like Bram Stoker and Charlaine Harris. Aubrey, a curious young English gentleman, becomes fascinated by the mysterious Lord Ruthven among society's elite. Despite Ruthven's glamorous facade, Aubrey soon uncovers a sinister character. While traveling in Europe, they are attacked by bandits, leading to Ruthven's fatal injury. In his dying moments, Ruthven asks Aubrey to keep his death and crimes secret for a year and a day. However, when Ruthven reappears in London, showing interest in Aubrey's sister, Aubrey realizes the immortal fiend is a vampyre.

John William Polidori's "The Vampyre" is a classic gothic horror tale and the precursor to the modern romantic vampire myth. Published in 1819, decades before Bram Stoker's "Dracula," it was initially misattributed to Polidori's friend Lord Byron. This influential work has captivated readers for nearly two centuries, inspiring artists like Anne Rice, Alan Ball, and Francis Ford Coppola.