A recently surfaced letter by Bram Stoker, written shortly after the publication of his iconic novel Dracula in 1897, reveals the author's playful and candid tone. Unlike his typically formal correspondence, this note reflects Stoker's awareness of the gothic themes in his work and a sense of pride in its theatricality. The letter, which mentions Dracula directly and states, 'Lord forgive me. I am quite shameless,' provides a unique insight into the author's feelings about his early reception. Rare and informal, it stands as one of the few glimpses into Stoker's personal perspective on his famous work.
This letter gives us something we've never really had before: Stoker's own voice, responding to Dracula around the moment it entered the world, not as an icon of horror, but as a new, uncertain work.
Stoker's humorous aside, 'Lord forgive me. I am quite shameless' has the ring of an artist knowingly pushing the boundaries of the gothic and enjoying it.
The note was personal, informal, and revealing, suggesting Stoker's awareness of his book's gothic extravagance and a playful pride in its dark theatricality.
Less than a handful of letters from Stoker mentioning Dracula by name are known to exist, which typically take on a formal tone.
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