The Forgotten Writings of Bram Stoker

In this treasure trove for Stoker devotees, editor Browning offers up previously lost or unknown works by the famed Dracula author, providing a fascinating look into Stoker’s psyche. The collection is divided into seven parts: one each for unknown poetry, fiction, and journalistic writings; a compilation of unknown interviews; rare and uncollected works; period writings about Stoker; and a catalogue of his personal library, including autographed letters and “illuminated and other manuscripts,” which went up for auction after his death in 1912. What’s most surprising is that despite his best-known work, Stoker was in his time known as selfless person whom many wouldn’t have pegged as a writer of dark gothic novels. This is underlined by a heart-wrenching short story of a young widower (“A Baby Passenger”) and the revelation that the author wrote romances—such as “When the Sky Rains Gold,” included here—as well as children’s stories, fantasies, and mysteries. This well-edited book will interest Stoker fans and literary historians alike. (Dec.)