First serialized in the journal "The Dark Blue" and published shortly thereafter in the short story collection In a Glass Darkly, Le Fanu’s 1872 vampire tale is in many ways the overlooked older sister of Bram Stoker’s more acclaimed Dracula. A thrilling gothic tale, Carmilla tells the story of a young woman lured by the charms of a female vampire. This edition includes a student-oriented introduction, tracing the major critical responses to Carmilla, and four interdisciplinary essays by leading scholars who analyze the story from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Ranging from politics to gender, Gothicism to feminism, and nineteenth-century aestheticism to contemporary film studies, these critical yet accessible articles model the diverse ways that scholars can approach a single text. With a glossary, biography, bibliography, and explanatory notes on the text, this edition is ideal for students of Irish and British nineteenth-century literature.
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About the author
Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
Author
Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu, popularly known as J. S. Le Fanu, was an Irish writer. He was one of the pioneers of early Gothic, mystery and horror literary works, and is considered by critics to be among the greatest ghost story writers of the Victorian era, as his works were central to the development of the genre. Le Fanu is best known for the locked-room mystery-thriller Uncle Silas (1864), the historical mystery novel The House by the Churchyard (1863), and the collection of stories In a Glass Darkly (1872), which includes the novella Carmilla (1872), one of the foundational works of vampire fiction and a landmark in the lesbian vampire genre.
Carmilla
by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
Books Like Carmilla
If you're looking for books similar to Carmilla, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Dracula
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A classic gothic vampire novel that explores themes of sexuality, power, and supernatural horror. The story follows Jonathan Harker's encounters with Count Dracula and the subsequent hunt to destroy the vampire. Like Carmilla, it delves into the psychological and sensual aspects of vampire mythology. The novel revolutionized vampire literature and has influenced countless works in the genre.
The Vampire Lestat
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A sequel to Interview with the Vampire that provides a deeper exploration of vampire mythology. The story follows Lestat's perspective, offering insights into vampire psychology and history. Like Carmilla, it examines themes of identity, sexuality, and the nature of immortality. Rice's novel provides a complex and nuanced view of vampire existence.
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A Swedish vampire novel that explores themes of childhood, isolation, and supernatural connection. The story follows a young boy's relationship with a vampire child. Similar to Carmilla, it delves into complex emotional and psychological themes. The novel offers a unique and deeply human approach to vampire mythology.
Interview with the Vampire
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A groundbreaking vampire novel that explores the psychological depth of immortal beings. The narrative follows Louis de Pointe du Lac as he recounts his transformation and experiences as a vampire. Similar to Carmilla, the book examines complex themes of sexuality, identity, and the nature of monstrosity. Rice's novel offers a deeply introspective look at vampire existence.
I Am Legend
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A groundbreaking novel that reimagines vampire mythology through a scientific lens. The story follows the last human survivor in a world overrun by vampire-like beings. Similar to Carmilla, it explores themes of isolation, survival, and the nature of monstrosity. Matheson's novel offers a unique and innovative approach to vampire fiction.
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A modern vampire story set in a small New England town. The novel explores the invasion of vampires and their impact on a local community. Similar to Carmilla, it delves into themes of isolation, psychological terror, and the supernatural. King's work offers a contemporary take on vampire mythology with deep psychological undertones.
The Historian
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A complex novel that blends historical research with vampire mythology. The story follows a young woman's quest to uncover the truth about Dracula through historical documents and personal accounts. Like Carmilla, it offers a scholarly approach to vampire lore and explores the historical and cultural contexts of vampire legends. The novel provides a rich, multilayered narrative.
The Vampyre
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Considered the first vampire story in English literature, this novella predates Carmilla and Dracula. It tells the story of Lord Ruthven, a sophisticated and dangerous vampire who moves through aristocratic society. The work explores themes of seduction and predatory behavior that are reminiscent of Le Fanu's narrative style. Polidori's story was a significant influence on later vampire fiction.
Anno Dracula
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An alternate history novel that reimagines Victorian London with vampires. The story explores the social and political implications of vampire integration into society. Similar to Carmilla, it offers a complex and nuanced approach to vampire mythology. Newman's novel provides a unique and innovative take on vampire fiction.
The Hunger
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A sophisticated vampire novel that explores themes of sexuality and immortality. The story follows a female vampire who seeks to understand and preserve her existence. Like Carmilla, it delves into the psychological and sensual aspects of vampire mythology. The novel offers a complex and nuanced exploration of vampire nature.
The Vampires of Venice
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A gothic tale that blends historical fiction with supernatural elements. Set in Venice, the story explores the dark and mysterious world of vampires in a richly detailed historical setting. Similar to Carmilla, it focuses on the psychological complexity of vampire characters and their interactions with human society. The novel offers a unique perspective on vampire mythology.
The Strain
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A modern vampire novel that blends horror with scientific explanation. The story follows a viral outbreak of vampirism in New York City. Like Carmilla, it explores the psychological and physiological aspects of vampirism. The novel offers a contemporary and scientific approach to vampire mythology.
Varney the Vampire
James Malcolm Rymer
A lengthy penny dreadful that was one of the earliest vampire narratives in English literature. The story follows Sir Francis Varney, a vampire with complex motivations and emotional depth. Like Carmilla, it explores the psychological and gothic elements of vampire mythology. The novel provides a fascinating look at early vampire literature and its evolving narrative techniques.
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