About this book
John William Polidori's *The Vampyre: a Tale* stands as one of literature's most influential horror stories, establishing countless conventions that would define the vampire genre for centuries to come. Written in 1819 during the famous ghost-story competition at Villa Diodati in Geneva alongside Mary Shelley and Lord Byron, this chilling novella introduces the sophisticated, aristocratic vampire—a far cry from the folklore creatures that preceded it.
The narrative follows Aubrey, a young gentleman whose encounter with the mysterious Lord Ruthven transforms his understanding of evil itself. As Ruthven insinuates himself into society's highest circles, Aubrey discovers a horrifying truth: his charming companion is an undead creature sustained by the blood of innocents. Trapped by a terrible oath of silence and haunted by mounting evidence of Ruthven's predatory nature, Aubrey races against time to prevent catastrophe.
Polidori's masterwork brilliantly weaves Gothic atmosphere with psychological depth, exploring themes of seduction, corruption, and the masks worn by society's elite. The novella's elegant prose and supernatural intrigue have captivated readers for over two centuries, influencing everyone from Bram Stoker to contemporary vampire fiction.
Perfect for fans of classic Gothic horror and literary history, this audiobook offers the definitive introduction to the tale that essentially invented the modern vampire mythos. Experience the elegance and terror that launched an immortal legend.
