The Book, Cat, & Cat Book Lovers Almanac

of historical trivia regarding books, cats, and other animals. Actually this blog has evolved so that it is described better as a blog about cats in history and culture. And we take as a theme the advice of Aldous Huxley: If you want to be a writer, get some cats. Don't forget to see the archived articles linked at the bottom of the page.

February 7, 2013

February 7, 1873

Sheridan Le Fanu was an Irish writer of the 19th century-August 28, 1814 to February 7, 1873. His vampire story, "Carmilla", typified his interest in the horror genre which he helped create. He is said to have been very influential on M. R. James. "Carmilla" is a lesbian vampire, though they don't use that word. The whole story is presented as a case history of a doctor's, a device which will be used by others; not sure if it is original with Le Fanu. Le Fanu's stories are usually ambiguous as to the whether horror is imagined or reflects external events. Carmilla though, definitely presents herself as a black cat on occasion.

"Carmilla" originally appeared in a short story collection Le Fanu published, In A Glass Darkly (1872.)
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