The Vampyre by John Polidori

It is notable as the second most famous piece of literature to come out of the legendary ghost story competition held between Byron and Shelley and their friends over a wet weekend on the shores of Lake Geneva.  That contest gave us 'Frankenstein' as well as this, the first story to fuse together various and disparate folk tales of the vampyre and the undead, and give us a modern narrative that would go on to inspire Bram Stoker and a host of other gothic horror writers.

Here are some additional titles to listen to or purchase:

Books

• The Vampyre and Other Tales of the Macabre
• Vampire Classics (Illustrated)
• The Diary of Dr. John William Polidori

Films

• Bram Stoker's Dracula
• Interview with the Vampire