The Vampyre, the Werewolf and Other Gothic Tales of Horror Vampyre, the Werewolf and Other Gothic Tales of Horror — John William Polidori

In this 19th-century medley of the macabre, seven blood-chilling talesfeature a cast of demons, doppelgangers, werewolves, and other beastly creatures, sure to haunt your dreams. The lead story, "The Vampyre," has influenced generations of fantasy fiction writers. One of the first tales ever written in the romantic vampire genre, it was the result of afriendly writingcompetition that also yielded Mary Shelley's classic, Frankenstein. The story begins as a gentleman traveling in Greece falls in love with a local beauty. When she warns him about vampires, he scoffs at her fears until he's caught in the forest one night and finds someone at his throat.
This fiendishly good collection continues with Clemence Housman's "The Werewolf," in which a white-robed maiden with a thirst for blood encounters twin brothers and executesa diabolical plan. In Edward Bulwer-Lytton's "Monos and Daimonos," a reclusive young man goes to great lengths to rid himself of the odd character pursuing him...with horrifying results. Plus, there are four more equally thrilling tales, including theanonymous stories, "The Curse" and "The Victim." Must-have reading for college students and fans of the supernatural."