Bram Stoker - Novelist

Written by Ben Kesp

The 8th of November 2012 marks the 165th birthday of Mr. Bram (Abraham) Stoker, born November 1847. I think it is worth mentioning this novelist whose greatest work continues to be the inspiration behind many films, television programmes, and books. The novel is of course “Dracula” written in 1897. 

Bram Stoker, an Irish novelist was born in Marino Crescent, Clontarf, Dublin City. Stoker attended Trinity College Dublin and graduated with an Honours BA in Mathematics. During his college years, he had an avid interest in theatre and became a critic for the Dublin Evening Mail. It was after giving an excellent review of Henry Irving’s Hamlet at Theatre Royal in Dublin that he became Irving’s good friend and assistant. Stoker also had an interest in art and was the founder of the Dublin Sketching Club in 1874.

In 1878 Stoker married Ms. Florence Balcombe, daughter of Lt Colonel James Balcombe of Marino Crescent, Dublin. Ms. Balcombe had been formerly dating Oscar Wilde and this had caused a strain on Stoker and Wilde’s friendship, however, they reunited their friendship soon afterward. Wilde and Stoker had become friends during their student days at Trinity College Dublin. 

Stoker and his wife Florence moved to London where he became the business manager to Irving’s Lyceum Theatre, London. During his time working with Irving, he travelled much of the world and especially enjoyed his time in the United States. 

Even though Stoker was never in Eastern Europe which was the setting for his famous novel, he did meet up with Hungarian writer Ármin Vámbéry and became hugely interested in European folklore. It was from researching into European folklore, vampires and visiting places like the crypts of St. Michael’s Church, Dublin and Slains Castle, Aberdeenshire that created Stoker’s inspiration for Dracula. 

Stoker wrote many other great works in addition to his 1897 "Dracula". Here is a direct link to Stoker's novels that include: "Mystery of the Sea" (1902), "The Lady of the Shroud" (1909) and "The Lair of the White Worm" (1911). 

Stoker died in 1912 and a statue of Bram Stoker was commissioned for Dublin City however it was never erected due to a dispute of where to place it. Dublin City Council wish to place it suitably in Marino Crescent where he was born, however, family members thought the statue should be located within the central Dublin City area. As of when this post was written, this dispute is still unresolved.