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the vampire. The book, 'Dracula', has since inspired countless other books, stories, legends and movies. If you have never read the novel, it is available to read online here.

Heading into the 19th century and the vampire in literature was here to stay. From H.G.Wells to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, everyone wanted a piece of the vampire action. A comprehensive list of the published 19th century works can be found

here.

And so to the 20th century and the modern vampire, much beloved of Hammer Horror and even comic books. With such a wealth of literature concerning vampires it has become much harder to tell the vampire story without covering old ground. Stephen King wrote 'Salem's Lot' (1975) and although it was well received and remains a great telling of the tale, there was little new in the telling.

Anne Rice did better with 'Interview with a Vampire' and all of the subsequent books in the series. She took her vampires, especially the much beloved Lestat de Lioncourt, into the modern world and did away with the myths about holy water, stakes through the heart and garlic. Her vampires were more 'human' and related to a modern world and a modern audience.

The latest incarnation in the form of the 'Twilight' vampire tales is, perhaps, an attempt to renew the legend, aimed at a younger generation less inclined to read the older tales. Meyer's vampires do not burn up in the sun, but 'glitter' at twilight. Gone are the traditional fangs, replaced by 'strong teeth'. Twilight vampires do not need coffins because they do not sleep and they can only be killed by being torn apart and the pieces burned. There have been many arguments as to whether these beings are actually vampires at all.

The vampire, in all of its many forms, will no doubt remain with us as long as there is someone to write the tales. It is impossible to list every single book every written on the subject, but an excellent resource can be found here. For the more modern works it is worth taking a look at this page. It will certainly aid you in your search.

Learn more about this author, Gillian Taber.
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