Dracula

An 1897 Gothic novel that became a cornerstone of horror literature and shaped the modern image of the vampire in popular culture. The story unfolds through diaries, letters, and newspaper clippings, creating a sense of documentary realism. Young solicitor Jonathan Harker travels to Transylvania to assist Count Dracula in acquiring property in England, only to discover that his host is far more than an eccentric nobleman. Dracula is an ancient being that feeds on blood and possesses supernatural abilities. He eventually arrives in London, where he preys on new victims, including Mina Harker and Lucy Westenra. Leading the fight against Dracula is Professor Abraham Van Helsing, who gathers a team to battle the dark forces. The novel explores themes of fear of the unknown, sexuality, morality, and the clash between civilization and primal darkness.