Bram Stoker’s Original Notes for Dracula

It’s hard to overstate Bram Stoker’s influence on the modern, fictional vampire. His groundbreaking 1897 novel, Dracula, has been adapted in various ways for film and television over the years, and this popularity has helped shape the expectations people have about the undead. While exploring the origins of modern vampire traits for my book, I found my way back to Bram Stoker a number of times. So, when I had the opportunity to see some of his handwritten notes in person, I couldn’t pass that up.

It’s interesting that, although Bram Stoker lived his entire life in Europe (specifically Ireland and England) his notes for Dracula ended up in the United States. In 1970, they were purchased by the Rosenbach Museum & Library, which is located in Philadelphia, PA. Back in 2017/2018, the Rosenbach had a wonderful exhibit showcasing a selection of Stoker’s notes, as well as some manuscript pages from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein! I had the good fortune to visit the museum during this time. Seeing the genesis of not one, but two, groundbreaking gothic novels that grapple with notions of life and death was a powerful experience.

Dracula has been with us for over a century. It’s easy to forget the time, research, and decision-making that went into it. We’re so used to having it in its final form. Seeing those notes brings the writing process to light and helps make it real. Here are some pictures I took that day.