The Vampyre; A Tale Book

This is one of those weird bits of fiction where the story behind its creation is actually more interesting than the work itself: it was the result of a writing challenge between Mary Shelley, Byron and Polidori, the very same challenge that resulted in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

The tale begins with a vampire arriving in London; he catches the eyes of the citizens with his uniqueness. They are drawn to him like a moth to a flame; they are enamoured by his sharp, striking, eyes. Everyone wants to be with him, and they're not fully sure why; it's like a spell has been cast over all of them, one they cannot resist.

Aubery is shocked to discover that such a creature desires his company. He is honoured and simply amazed. (Is this a suggestion of Polidori himself and Lord Byron?) Initially, he enjoys the friendship, but the true nature of the creature begins to reveal itself. The vampire is cruel and greedy behind his seductive mask. Aubery begins to detest the creature, though he is still held in thrall by his domineering personality; he cannot escape and slowly goes insane. The vampire eventually sets his eyes on Aubery's sister, and he is powerless to help her.

"Lord Ruthven had disappeared, and Aubrey's sister has glutted the thirst of a Vampyre!"



So the plot was good, but it's such a shame that Polidori wasn't a better writer. The prose was awkward and clunky in places; it doesn't have the beautiful flow of some of his peers e.g. Mary Shelley.