The Best of Vampires
The Saint Germain Page
Recommended Vampire Novels
Saint Germain novels (by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro) These are a fantastic series of novels following the travels of vampire hero Ragoczy, Comte de Saint Germain. Based on an actual historical figure, Saint Germain is a romantic hero often more 'human' than the mortals around him. These books are full of historical detail and are very engaging tales with the use of a slightly different vampiric lore than that of the 'Dracula' variety. He is often accompanied on his travels by Rogerian, his bondsman - and a ghoul. These novels use ideas of the succubus and incubus too as well as the general vampire. My favourite vampire novels ever! For more check out my Saint Germain Page.
The Olivia novels (by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro) This trilogy is a spin-off from the Saint Germain novels and the books follow the adventures of Olivia, one of the main women in Saint Germain's life. She was turned by him in Ancient Rome and the three novels follow her through different places and periods much the same as the Saint Germain books. These are good and worth reading though I prefer the Saint Germain ones myself as I find that character more inticing than Olivia. That said she is a good, strong female character and it's nice to hear more of her life than just what we know from the letters in the Saint Germain novels.
Sisters of the Night (by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro) This will eventually be a trilogy though only the first two are written so far. These books look at each of the three brides of Dracula and how they came to be with him. A fantastic idea and it works really well. Both books are engaging though I prefer the first one "Angry Angel" to the second one "Soul of an Angel". Anyone who likes Dracula will want to read these and I eagerly await the final part.
The Vampire Chronicles (by Anne Rice) The series begins with "Interview with the Vampire" and goes on to tell of the lives of Lestat, Louis and their companions. These books lack the historical background and detail of the Saint Germain series but are still enjoyable with engaging characters. They follow a mainly 'Dracula'-style lore. As the series has progressed it has merged with her "Mayfair Witches" novels, which has added some new interest. Rice has also written two books in a newer series "New Tales of the Vampires"
The Vampire Dairies (by L J Smith) A series of 4 novels for younger readers (teens). Elena the school beauty falls in love with new boy Stephen, but he has a terrible secret and she get's caught in a battle between him and his brother, Damon. A new take completely on vampiric lore, different from that used in other books/films. These are for young readers though and as such are quite simple and might not appeal to older readers.
Dracula (by Bram Stoker) Not forgetting the most famous of all. The book that inspired so many others. There's not a lot to say about this - it's simply a classic. Excellent story telling. The characters are so well known now through all the film versions but nothing beats reading the orginal!
Recommended Vampire Books
The Book of Nod (White Wolf) This book contains all the legends and writings of the vampires, including the story of Caine and the rules of the different vampire clans. This is a must for any vampire fan and also contains some amazinf illustrations. Highly recommended.
The Vampire - A Casebook (Dundes) This book looks at the legend of the vampire from different cultures. The history of the word if discussed along with the physical attributes of the vampire and methods for killing them. It also considers the vampire from a psychoanalytical point of view.
Vampire - Complete Guide to the World of the Undead (Dunn-Mascetti) Exactly what the title says a complete look at the move from the folklore to various literary incarnations. A good all round book with a bit of information of all major 'vampiric' figures, from Vald the Impaler to Camille to Dracula to Bathory.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Philosophy(South)/Fighting the Forces - what's at stake in Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Reading the Vampire Slayer (Kaveney) If you like "Buffy" and "Angel" and what to have a look at the theories and philosophy that can be applied to the series then check out these three great books. All contain a variety of essays on different aspects of the role from the use of Fairy Tales to ideas about "Sex and the Single Vampire". All these are very interesting reads.
Dracula, Prince of Many Faces: His Life and Times (Florescu/McNally) This is an excellent book on the historic Dracula - linking fact and myth, with emphasis on the politics and general situation of the world in which Dracula ruled. Not exactly a light read but perfect for anyone with a real interest in learning more about the real-life figure who inspired the legend.
Recommended Vampire Films/TV
Nosferatu (12) (1922) Based on "Dracula" (but with different names because of copyright) this silent film is the first great vampire movie. Part of the German expressionist movement it makes the most of spooky locations and shadow effects. An absolute masterpiece.
The Fearless Vampire Killers (12) (1967) This is a fun film. Professor Abronsius takes his assistant Alfred vampire-hunting in Transylvania and Alfred falls in love with Sarah, the innkeeper's daughter....but the head vampire, Von Krolock is also in love with her...and then Alfred finds himself desired by the Count's son Herbert...Can they kill the vampires, rescue the girl and save the world. That's the premise a it works well. Those used to more modern film-making may find the pace a little slow but it's worth persevering as there are plenty of laughs. It later inspired a musical - see below.
The Lost Boys (15) (1987) A more modern twist here with the vampires as a sort of biker gang. The head vampire has his eye on a woman recently moved to the town and he get's his 'boys' to go after her sons first. Despite a few dodgy moments with the younger of the sons this is a pretty good film and it has a great soundtrack.
Bram Stoker's Dracula (18) (1992) A masterful retelling with great performances (except maybe Keanu Reeves' accent). Gary Oldman is one of the best Dracula's ever and oozes charm and sex-appeal. Winona Ryder is well matched with him as Mina and Anthony Hopkins amuses as Van Helsing. Some excellent cinematography. A film that looks good and delivers the story well and with feeling.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (12a) (1992) A brilliant idea later improved on in the TV series but this film lacks a certain something. The performances are a little lack-lustre and overall it becomes a bit too farsical. If you have the choice - watch the TV series instead.
Interview with the Vampire (18) (1994) This first attempt at filming Anne Rice's novels works well. There is a surprisingly good chemistry between Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt as Lestat and Louis. A fairly faithful adaptation, some nicely subtle make-up and effects. A sumptuous film and a great performance by the young Kirsten Dunst as Claudia. One of the best vampire movies ever in my opinion.
Shadow of the Vampire (15) (2000) A delightful black comedy, which suggests that when they filmed "Nosferatu" they used a real vampire who then got out of control. John Malkovich and William Defoe give stunning performances and it is deliciously funny. A brilliant idea!
Dracula 2001 (15) (2001) What if Van Helsing couldn't kill Dracula. Instead he keeps him locked away, using the vampire's blood to stay alive till he can find a way to kill him? Then Dracula breaks free into the modern world in search of Van Helsing's daughter who now shares his blood. That is the premise of this film and it works quite well. Gerard Butler makes a nice Dracula and there is an interesting twist at the end to do with Dracula's identity.
Queen of the Damned (15) (2002) The second attempt at filming Anne Rice does not work quite as well. If you forget the books and take it on it's one then it is a good film...but it tries to combine both the second and third novel and in doing so changes a lot of important details till they become almost unrecognisable. Still on its own it's good and there are some nice performances and a fantastic soundtrack.
Underworld (15) (2003) A war between vampires and werewolves (lycans). Selene is a Death Dealer and it is her job to hunt and kill lycans but then a human gets caught in the middle. This film lacks something overall but that said it has some very good moments and performances. Worth seeing and in a way it repays rewatching.
Van Helsing (12a) (2004) What was Van Helsing like in his youth...apparently he was Hugh Jackman, The critics pulled this film apart but I think it is excellent. Some amazing performances from Hugh and Richard Roxburgh (Dracula) really make this film. Sommers uses it to pay hommage to all the old 'horror' films and it shouldn't be taken 100% seriously. See this film! Or visit the two great sites dedicated to Roxburgh as Dracula (or Roxula as he's known)....Hollow and Kiss Me Kill Me.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (series 1-7) What can you say about Buffy? Well a definite improvement on the original film with much better casting. The show combines horror with both comedy and even philosophy at times. Buffy is a year older than me and so I sort of grew up with her. Great using monsters to represent teenage problems and then, as they get older, the difficulties of accepting adult-hood. Perfect! Check out BuffyWorld for all things connected to "Buffy" and "Angel"
Angel (series 1-5) Break-off series from "Buffy" Angel follows the history of the en-souled vampire as he leaves Sunnydale and Buffy and moves to LA...to fight evil and atone for his past. A more 'adult' series than "Buffy", it is a good show. It lacks the fun of "Buffy" but makes up for it in dealing with more intense issues....if you like the character of Angel in "Buffy" you'll like this.
Recommended Vampire Musicals
Dracula - Entre l'amour et la mort (Tabra/Leclerc) The French-Canadian rock opera. The story is changed and updated somewhat. Lucy is now Van Helsing's daughter for example. The focus is on Dracula's love for Elhemina and on the horrors in the world. The song "nous sommes ce que nous sommes" comments on many terrible figures and events from 20th century history. Some very catchy music and nice lyrics and with Bruno Pelletier as Dracula you really can't go wrong!
Dracula (Wildhorn) Based on the Bram Stoker novel this has a light pop feel to the music - big ballads as are Wildhorn's signature style. This really grows on you with repeated listening though it is a little whimsical at times.
Dracula (Svoboda/Borovec) A Czech musical and completely different story from Stoker with only the title character the same. (see Czech Shows page) The story is fairly complicated but good and the music is excellent. Dracula loses his wife Adriana. He has been cursed and becomes a vampire. Centuries later he becomes infactuated with his young relative Lorraine and she with him so he turns her. Then he finds Sandra...who seems to be Adriana reincarnated....Everyone should hear this show...it's intense, with sweeping melodies, and it really captures the seductive vampiric influence.
Dracula (Orton/Evans) This is a musical, based on the Bram Stoker novel, written by Orton and Evans. So far it is a concept album but has not been staged. It has some wonderful sweeping melodies and very poignant songs. Michael McCarthy makes an excellent Dracula on the recording - any woman would be entranced! Definitely one to hear and I hope it gets a stage production in the future - it deserves it!
Tanz der Vampire (Steinman/Kunze) An Austrian show based on the film "The Fearless Vampire Killers". This is mainly comedic like the film but the main vampire, Von Krolock is still dark and seductive. The score is by Jim Steinman and 'reuses' many of his old pop songs - for example "Total Eclipse of the Heart" is in there...so catchy music, a nice mix of humour and serious drama and just a good, fun musical. There was an English version "Dance of the Vampires" on Broadway but between changing all the comedy to serious drama and vice-versa, hiring Michael Crawford and generally pulling it to pieces they ruined it. If they'd just done a straight translation it might have done well!