I think this should have been kept in the novel. The first half of Dracula is brilliant. Really scary stuff. [SPOILERS!] But after the second death of Lucy it feels like Stoker slowly undoes everything that made the Count so terrifying. Every event that follows just makes him seem like less and less of a threat. Still a classic though. Novel length horror is really hard to do I think. If you're ever looking for more vampire stories Wake Not the Dead by Ernst Raupach (1823) and Apotropaics by Norman Partridge (1992) are both worth checking out. I may have mentioned them before, my memory is terrible.
I recall reading this short story to my grandmothers -- one English, the other Romanian. They loved my embellishment of this tale, for I spoke with a British "accent" (the traveler) as well as a Romanian "accent" (Dracula voicing the message). I also loved the Hungarian music which was playing at the intro and at the ending of this brilliant narration. Many thanks, Mr. French.
amazing how you bring these stories to life. Many thanks, Mr French, and I hope you will one day grace the pages of The Strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, with equal.....vigour!
I love the descriptive atmosphere in this story, which your narration has beautifully captured. It's clear why it was deleted from the novel, however. For one thing, the reader would have needed some cognitive gymnastics to connect the sleeping vampiress in the tomb with the rest of the book. Who is this creature? ---- another of Dracula's wives, or simply an "illegitimate" mistress lying at some undisclosed distance from the Master's castle? I daresay the tale was an experimental prelude to the book ---- that imperious arm driving the protagonist backward anticipates the way Dracula himself drives his three brides away from Jonathan Harker during the early Transylvania scenes. And certain other touches (like Dracula's letter) also foreshadow elements in the novel's early "chapters." Anyway, a very fine story that can stand on its own.
Another great reading! Thanks also for the explanation of the origins this tale. (By the way, I am Joseph Leo DeCelle. A Viking fantasy/fiction author and poet.) Thank you for sharing these stories!
You're welcome, Joe. Thank you. Yes, I like to add a little educational background to each story. It can be especially interesting if it's a new author unfamiliar to me. It can lead me to find more stories. Cheers. E.E.F.
The idea of psychological vampires has been used in some of the stories I've read. As you said, there are vampires all around us who drain us of strength and leave us exhausted. They don't have to be bloodsuckers!
EEF - Thanks for this excellent Halloween reading. Dracula is a personal favorite, although I totally understand the reason for cutting this from the novel. As much as I love Dracula, I have to say that the rest of Stoker's work leaves me wanting. Jewel of the Seven Stars really needs an ending...it just kinda stops...and Lair of the White Worm is...well not great. I guess there's a reason why he's remembered for Dracula.
What a great tale, I wonder if this was written before or after Dracula, and greatly narrated to, as always. Hope your keeping well and safe my friend.
Hello Darren- I noted in the credits that it is believed this was a chapter that the publishers deleted from the novel. It's also believed that Stoker's wife had this story published after his death. Cheers. E.E.F.
Ah I've had a long day in work and didn't read them, I listened as I was making my tea (not much of an excuse but the truth none the less), I have read Dracula and this chapter would have been an interesting addition if they'd left it in.
this is of my favorite Edward French stories. i don't know why - i know the wolf is probably you know who, but to me she seems female watching over her love.
I'm a big fan of your channel but I don't profess to know how you work, however, if you do take requests, I think that you might like to read The Ogre of Rashomon, a Japanese fairytale as written/translated by Yei Theodora Ozaki. It might be right up your street :3 Thanks again for all your hard work ^__^
Thanks, emmishbells. I don't take "requests," but I welcome suggestions. The listeners to this channel have provided some excellent ones. I upload a story each week. Saturdays. I have wanted to read some Japanese works. Edogawa Rampo's "The Man Traveling With the Brocade portrait" was in my sights, but the pronunciations in the translation I have are beyond my ability to narrate-for now....I'll definitely check out the "Ogre of Rashomon." I appreciate you listening and commenting. Cheers. E.E.F.
@@FrenchEdward06 I was going to suggest Edogawa Rampo's "The Human Chair"...can't believe you mentioned him 1st! I have a collection of his short stories, but whenever I mention his work I'm more often than not met with a blank stare. Especially when I try and explain the name, if spoken phonetically in a Japanese accent, sounds a lot like Edgar Allen Poe. Clever no?
All your stuff is great Mr. French.
I really enjoy the monologues before the stories
What a wonderment!!! A old story completely new to me. And your excellent narration brings it to life!!! What a pleasure. Thank you very much.
I think this should have been kept in the novel. The first half of Dracula is brilliant. Really scary stuff. [SPOILERS!] But after the second death of Lucy it feels like Stoker slowly undoes everything that made the Count so terrifying. Every event that follows just makes him seem like less and less of a threat. Still a classic though. Novel length horror is really hard to do I think.
If you're ever looking for more vampire stories Wake Not the Dead by Ernst Raupach (1823) and Apotropaics by Norman Partridge (1992) are both worth checking out. I may have mentioned them before, my memory is terrible.
Kudos to you for a great reading. Very atmospheric. Universal studios used it as a basis for their sequel DRACULA'S DAUGHTER 1936
The atmosphere is so beautifully creepy with snow and the hail and the lighting reviling the countess. Amazing voice you got Mr French
I recall reading this short story to my grandmothers -- one English, the other Romanian. They loved my embellishment of this tale, for I spoke with a British "accent" (the traveler) as well as a Romanian "accent" (Dracula voicing the message). I also loved the Hungarian music which was playing at the intro and at the ending of this brilliant narration. Many thanks, Mr. French.
Absolutely spot on. You, Sir, are a narrator without equal. Thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you.
I love this story, perfect timing.
What's Halloween without a little touch of ol' Bram Stoker in the night. Be well. E.E.F.
Wonderful. You reading is so compelling. Thank you .
French, you are a great narrator, and you sound so much like Vince Price that it is uncanny! ❤
Thank you my master. I love you Mr French and your storytelling too.
Only a master of evil, MWM Manning! Thank YOU for listening. Take care and stay tuned for more to come....E.E.F.
Beautifully told. 👌
Thank you for the marvelous reading this story. Happy Halloween, everyone.
Stupendous reading. I actually prefer the atmosphere and potency of this to Dracula. Well done.
This was originally a part of the novel. ☠
Merci beaucoup Mssrs French et Stoker
Ooooh, La, La, Tasha. Happy Halloween! E.E.F.
Sublime 🥰
amazing how you bring these stories to life. Many thanks, Mr French, and I hope you will one day grace the pages of The Strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, with equal.....vigour!
You excel at storytelling, as always, Mr. French. I look forward to next week's selection, as well.
This is just too perfect. Another halloween story in October. Keep it up Mr. French.
I love the descriptive atmosphere in this story, which your narration has beautifully captured. It's clear why it was deleted from the novel, however. For one thing, the reader would have needed some cognitive gymnastics to connect the sleeping vampiress in the tomb with the rest of the book. Who is this creature? ---- another of Dracula's wives, or simply an "illegitimate" mistress lying at some undisclosed distance from the Master's castle? I daresay the tale was an experimental prelude to the book ---- that imperious arm driving the protagonist backward anticipates the way Dracula himself drives his three brides away from Jonathan Harker during the early Transylvania scenes. And certain other touches (like Dracula's letter) also foreshadow elements in the novel's early "chapters." Anyway, a very fine story that can stand on its own.
Brilliant read-a voice that conjures the great Orson Welles.👍👍
Another great reading! Thanks also for the explanation of the origins this tale. (By the way, I am Joseph Leo DeCelle. A Viking fantasy/fiction author and poet.)
Thank you for sharing these stories!
You're welcome, Joe. Thank you. Yes, I like to add a little educational background to each story. It can be especially interesting if it's a new author unfamiliar to me. It can lead me to find more stories. Cheers. E.E.F.
Coffee and Bram! It will be a great day, today.
That's the spirit, Joshua! E.E.F.
Walpurgisnacht….the…..other……Halloween! One of my favorites! See you at Carfax House….Sunday night…on…April 30 2023 😉🧛🏻
The idea of psychological vampires has been used in some of the stories I've read. As you said, there are vampires all around us who drain us of strength and leave us exhausted. They don't have to be bloodsuckers!
Thanks for listening, Rosie.....and hanging in for the epilog too. E.E.F.
EEF - Thanks for this excellent Halloween reading. Dracula is a personal favorite, although I totally understand the reason for cutting this from the novel. As much as I love Dracula, I have to say that the rest of Stoker's work leaves me wanting. Jewel of the Seven Stars really needs an ending...it just kinda stops...and Lair of the White Worm is...well not great. I guess there's a reason why he's remembered for Dracula.
Jewel has two different endings, did you know? 🤔
@@h.calvert3165 Yeah - and I think both are equally dead ends. It works well enough if you mentally tack on the ending from Karloff's The Mummy. :)
Superb.
Renfild!
What a great tale, I wonder if this was written before or after Dracula, and greatly narrated to, as always. Hope your keeping well and safe my friend.
Hello Darren- I noted in the credits that it is believed this was a chapter that the publishers deleted from the novel. It's also believed that Stoker's wife had this story published after his death. Cheers. E.E.F.
Ah I've had a long day in work and didn't read them, I listened as I was making my tea (not much of an excuse but the truth none the less), I have read Dracula and this chapter would have been an interesting addition if they'd left it in.
this is of my favorite Edward French stories. i don't know why - i know the wolf is probably you know who, but to me she seems female watching over her love.
And into the service of the vampire eating bugs and such. I'll rather be a gong farmer then be in his castle.
I'm a big fan of your channel but I don't profess to know how you work, however, if you do take requests, I think that you might like to read The Ogre of Rashomon, a Japanese fairytale as written/translated by Yei Theodora Ozaki. It might be right up your street :3 Thanks again for all your hard work ^__^
Thanks, emmishbells. I don't take "requests," but I welcome suggestions. The listeners to this channel have provided some excellent ones. I upload a story each week. Saturdays. I have wanted to read some Japanese works. Edogawa Rampo's "The Man Traveling With the Brocade portrait" was in my sights, but the pronunciations in the translation I have are beyond my ability to narrate-for now....I'll definitely check out the "Ogre of Rashomon." I appreciate you listening and commenting. Cheers. E.E.F.
@@FrenchEdward06 I was going to suggest Edogawa Rampo's "The Human Chair"...can't believe you mentioned him 1st! I have a collection of his short stories, but whenever I mention his work I'm more often than not met with a blank stare. Especially when I try and explain the name, if spoken phonetically in a Japanese accent, sounds a lot like Edgar Allen Poe. Clever no?
@@FrenchEdward06 That's good to know! Come to think of it, the Goblin of Adachigahara might be a better choice - good and eerie. Thanks for replying!
My children are energy vampires
First! ; )
Thanks, David. E.E.F.