Various (Editor: Marín, Álvaro García) - The Vampire Of Vourla
A half dozen vampire stories from 18919-1846, predating the Bram era.
All are Greek oriented, though many appear to have come from English writers.
Editor Marín pens a lengthy introduction, explaining the long history of vampires in Greece, their origins which may have gone back to Turkish domination, and the rationale for their erasure from history.
The opener by Lord Byron is a mere fragment, yet reflects the ornate writing of old. Flowery to the point of overripe. Ending mid-sentence, mid-paragraph? Just ending.
“The Vampire: A Tale” picks from Byron’s story, perhaps copied, perhaps influenced. Written by John Polidori, Byron’s physician, whom I might pigeonhole as a frenemy. The story is of a young man with an older, more experienced, slightly sinister man. He reminded me of Dorian’s mentor, Lord Henry.
“The Story Of Demetrio Gkikas” is less bloodsucker than a restless spirit, an unhappy soul.
In John Bowring’s “Vampires”, we listen in as a father tells his children a spooky bedtime story. The children, while not precocious, easily possess more common sense than many individuals today.
“The Vroucolacas” is a fun little romp with a good mix of characters, a possessive father whose beautiful daughter loves an unacceptable male. Complaining to the local Turkish official is perilous, as the Bashaw would sooner chop off heads than tax himself listening. While the vampire in question disturbs the local community, readers chuckle at the mischief.
An essential book? Probably not. Good for those who want more stories that are off the heavily worn path. The notes and scholarship aid immensely, as well.
