“In
Dracula
, we find a monster who takes away our agency, our choice—even as he consumes us. The fantasy of becoming a vampire is a myth of exceptionalism— nobody fantasizes about being the random peasant whom the titular Count devours. Instead, people are thrilled by the thought of turning into vampires themselves—becoming the most powerful consumer, the apex predator. And until we recognize that we have far more in common with prey than predator, we will always feel the vampire's pull. I hope Norton's vital new addition to the conversation about Stoker’s work will cause readers to look at this old story with new eyes: to question our preconceptions and refocus our own narrative lenses.
remains evergreen, I'm afraid—because within our monsters... we may find ourselves.” —Kate Hamill (playwright/actor)
This Norton Critical Edition includes:
The first edition of the novel, published by Archibald Constable in London in 1897 and chosen by the editors in order to give readers—insofar as such a thing is possible—a more historically authentic reading experience than has been generally available. Arcane words and usages are footnoted at first appearance.
Editorial matter by John Edgar Browning and David J. Skal.
Eight background pieces, five of them new to the Second Edition, on Count Dracula specifically and vampires more generally; seven reviews and reactions to Dracula’s publication, five of them new to the Second Edition; and six selections, two of them new to and two others updated for the Second Edition, on Dracula’s many dramatic and filmic variations.
Eleven critical essays on Dracula’s central themes, six of them new to the Second Edition.
A selected bibliography.
About the Series
Read by more than 12 million students over fifty-five years, Norton Critical Editions set the standard for apparatus that is right for undergraduate readers. The three-part format—annotated text, contexts, and criticism—helps students to better understand, analyze, and appreciate the literature, while opening a wide range of teaching possibilities for instructors. Whether in print or in digital format, Norton Critical Editions provide all the resources students need.
“The notes in Dracula are exactly at the right level for students. The headnotes are extremely helpful. It really does [meet the needs of today's students]. It is my favorite NCE to teach.” —Carrie D. Shanafelt, Fairleigh Dickinson University