Stoker, Bram | The rare first edition, first issue, of Stoker's classic

Stoker, Bram

Dracula. Westminster: Archibald Constable and Company, 1897

8vo (190 x 124 mm). Without the publisher's catalogue, and the final integral leaf with the advertisement for The Shoulder of Shasta, with the last page of text numbered 390 followed by an integral blank leaf; some foxing to preliminary leaves, otherwise a few stray spots. Publisher's yellow cloth stamped in red; some soiling primarily to spine, skillful Japanese tissue reinforcements to joints. House in custom clamshell case.

First edition, first issue.

"How blessed are some people, whose lives have no fears, no dreads; to whom sleep is a blessing that comes nightly, and brings nothing but sweet dreams." — Bram Stoker, Dracula

Although not an instant success, during Bram Stoker's lifetime, sales of Dracula were steady, resulting in eight editions. Since his death in 1912 the book has never been out-of-print, has inspired numerous stage and film adaptations and has remained hugely influential in popular culture.

REFERENCES:

Haycraft-Queen

PROVENANCE:

Leslie Hindman, 19 March 2021, lot 251 (price realized: $26,250)