Dracula, signed | 1897, rare first edition with original signed Bram Stoker letter.

The defining vampire novel, paired with a rare signed letter from Bram Stoker.

A cornerstone of Gothic literature, and a rare first edition of Dracula accompanied by an autograph letter signed “Bram Stoker” in which he discusses his writing.

Published in 1897, Dracula redefined Gothic fiction and unleashed Count Dracula on the world, haunting readers, writers, and cinema ever since. This first edition is paired with a remarkable piece of Stoker’s correspondence: a handwritten letter on Lyceum Theatre stationery dated 17 July 1902, in which he references his then-new novel The Mystery of the Sea:

“My new book The Mystery of the Sea comes out in a few days (Hutchinsons) & I hope you will care to read it. I send advance copy.”

Letters in which Stoker speaks about his own literary work are notably scarce. Here, he is caught promoting his fiction in real time, offering a rare glimpse of the working author behind one of literature’s most enduring creations.

Stoker’s signature is uncommon and his literary letters are on another level of rarity. Together, this first edition and signed letter form an exceptional Gothic pairing: the defining vampire novel, united with the hand of its creator.

Condition — Book: Original yellow cloth with red lettering; spine darkened, boards showing general soiling and some staining; corners and spine ends worn but unrestored. A sound, pleasing example of this notoriously fragile binding. Internally a few nicks and chips to page edges but overall very good+.

Condition — Letter: Fine, with a horizontal fold. Written and signed in Stoker’s hand on Lyceum Theatre stationery. Dated 17 July 1902 and addressed to Mrs Humphrys, it reads:

My dear Mrs Humphrys

My new book The Mystery of the Sea comes out in a few days (Hutchinsons) & I hope you will care to read it. I send advance copy.

Yours very sincerely

Bram Stoker

PS Do you know Miss Drew’s address

Stoker’s literary correspondence is exceptionally scarce, making this an extraordinary association.