J S Lefanu

The nineteenth century brought sweeping changes, from industrialization to social reform movements, yet queerness remained taboo. While societal norms often dictated secrecy, a brave subculture of writers, artists, and thinkers explored themes of gender, sexuality, and identity. Ranging from Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's horror novella Carmilla, which pioneered the lesbian vampire trope, to Edward Carpenter's advocacy for gay rights in Homogenic Love and Its Place in a Free Society, this Dover original anthology of essays, fiction, and poetry presents literary insights into the ways six authors represented the queer community, often at significant personal risk. Other selections include "Calamus" by Walt Whitman, Cecil Dreeme by Theodore Winthrop, An Italian Garden: A Book of Songs by Agnes Mary Frances Robinson, and The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Together, these works offer valuable context for contemporary discussions fundamental to the early emancipation of homosexual rights.

Before Dracula, before Twilight....there was only one: CARMILLALe Fanu's novella Carmilla originally published as a novella in 1872 is the very first vampire thriller and is acknowledged as a major influence on Bram Stoker's Dracula. Le Fanu, often compared to Poe, was a Victorian writer whose tales of the occult have inspired horror writers for more than a century. In this updated version Ms. Rose has taken the original short work and seamlessly blended new characters, darker plot lines and erotic scenes that approach the heights of gothic erotic literature. Seemingly by happenstance, the mysterious and beautiful Carmilla comes to stay with the young and virtuous Laura. Laura, who has been living a lonely existence with her father in an isolated castleand finds herself enchanted with her exotic visitor. As the two become close friends, however, Laura dreams of nocturnal visitations and begins to lose her physical strength. Through much investigation, the gruesome truth about Carmilla and her family is revealed. Though the basic premise of the story of evil targeting pure innocence is familiar to anyone who is vampire savvy, this haunting tale is surprisingly fresh, avoids clich s and builds well to its heart stopping climax. Gothic horror at its best Draw the curtains, pull up the covers and enjoy This book has been rated E-Rotic by at least three independent reviewers.