Varney The Vampire by James Malcolm Rymer
Ойын-сауық
Varney the Vampire, or the Feast of Blood is a Victorian-era "Penny Dreadful" that was first published as a series of weekly cheap pamphlets from 1845 to 1847. The story was written primarily by James Malcolm Rymer, although Thomas Peckett Prest is also credited as a possible author. The entire series totals nearly 220 chapters, collected and published as a single epic novel in 1847. It is considered one of the most famous and influential examples of the "Penny Dreadful" genre.
"Penny Dreadfuls" were cheap, mass-produced pamphlets featuring sensational, lurid, and often shocking stories aimed at working-class audiences in 19th century Britain. These serial publications, costing only a penny per installment, exploded in popularity as literacy rates increased among the poor and working classes. The stories, often featuring gothic, supernatural, or crime-related themes, were characterized by their graphic content, complex plots, and cliffhanger endings designed to keep readers hooked from one installment to the next.
Varney the Vampire is notable for its complex and ambivalent portrayal of its central character, Sir Francis Varney. While initially depicted as a terrifying monster who preys on young women, Varney evolves over the course of the story into a more nuanced and sympathetic figure, tormented by his own nature and desires. This multifaceted characterization of a vampire was groundbreaking for its time and foreshadowed later works like Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire.
The story itself is a sprawling, episodic tale featuring numerous subplots and characters. The quality of the writing and plotting is variable, reflecting the breakneck pace of production and the collaborative nature of its authorship. Nevertheless, Varney the Vampire stands as a pioneering work of vampire fiction, establishing many tropes and conventions that would later become staples of the genre.
In 2007, Zittaw Press released the first fully re-typeset and annotated edition of Varney the Vampire, edited by scholar Curt Herr. This definitive edition corrects numerous errors from the original text, includes extensive footnotes and commentary, and features reproductions of the original illustrations. It stands as the most comprehensive and accessible version of this seminal work of horror fiction.
To purchase a copy of Curt Herr's annotated edition of Varney the Vampire, visit: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305367166354
Пікірлер: 92
Oh I would adore hearing more of varny! Also I loved the history lesson about the blue books and penny dreadfuls - so fascinating. People do love to be scandalized! So sorry Amazon has been an absolute douche canoe to deal with. I sincerely hope you find a better option. Your work is wonderful and big corporations just can’t be bothered. It’s incredibly frustrating I’m sure. :( Thanks for not giving up and sticking with it. We all appreciate your hours of labour and stand behind you.
Excellent narration, Tony. Yes, please, a vote for continuing the tale.
Lovely! There’s nothing like a gothic read by a reader with a feel for the genre. I hope someone besides me would like to have you continue the story! ❤
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
It is a cracker isn’t it ?
@evelanpatton
Ай бұрын
@@ClassicGhostyes, please!
@karehhartig7287
Ай бұрын
Indeed. !!!
Excellent story and narration! I really like this. I vote to hear the whole tale. It sounds great so far! Thanks for bringing this tale to us! Again, I vote to continue this tale! Varney sounds like quite the "rascal".
@ClassicGhost
Ай бұрын
It’s not getting the love in terms of numbers . And it’s 700 pages long!
@donaldmccleary9015
Ай бұрын
@ClassicGhost that is very long! I heard that in your chat, but it did not really set in until you said it again. You will definitely have laryngitis by the end.
Your dreamy beautiful voice puts me to sleep and also gets me through my dull work day🖤
I can't believe it!!! You're doing Varney!! Thank you!! ❤❤❤❤
Edward French did a awesome job at this story years ago but there’s only one channel that nails the ghost story and we’re on it😅
This preceded Bram Stoker's "Dracula",. The first description of the vampire, remorseful of himself in his cursed affliction of blood thirst....versus the evil monster of Stoker's. We love Varney-- and Herr's annotations in the revival are wonderful!
Oh yes, more please 🙏 💜
More Varney, please! And it was nice to hear you mention Kutztown University, I grew up near there.
I was just getting into that when it finished! . Still, great reading. Thanks for explaining the Blue Books. I've been re-reading my Trollopes, and he mentions them. I thought they were something political, so I'm glad to get some clarification. Very sorry to hear of your struggles with Amazon and their counterpart. I hope you can eventually resolve it.
Oh, I really enjoyed that, thank you! Another vote for continuing, you read that wonderfully!
@ClassicGhost
Ай бұрын
I’m rotting up the votes
@imh9524
Ай бұрын
@@ClassicGhost Rotting up! That has a nice, ghoulish sound to it
Thank you, this is a penny dreadful I’ve wanted to hear for a long time. And I was not disappointed.
Love the concept of the 'Penny Dreadfuls. Great name for an indie band.
Really loved this,very entertaining. Vivid ,expressive narration, interesting commentary, as always. More Varney, all three bricks of it, Gothic, Penny Dreadfuls, please pour them on. You are a master. So sorry about Amazon. Amazon,True ***ts. I have boycotted Amazon for years. Your print books are available for me over my faithful web bookshop. Best and warmest wishes on your project.
What!? More?! ❣️ How delightful. I'm not through all of the Cumbrian Ghost Stories yet, and there's more goodies to come❣️ I really want to tell you how very much I'm enjoying your book. As a complete work it's whole is greater than the sum of it's parts. I have been listening sometimes with Google Earth and "traveling" the roads of Cumbria with the stories. Thank you so much Tony. You do an excellent job. I appreciate your writing talent even more now❣️ 🏞👻👍
Thank you for the commentary. Fascinating and very well explained.
I would very much like to hear more of this story. It's very interesting and I want to know what happens next!
The constant “freezing,” loss of speech, inability to “move,” and fainting experienced by almost every emotionally-stunted character in this story just about drove me over the edge…. Not to mention the unfathomable actions on the part of most characters : the men spend interminable time & emotional angst trying to get to the screaming Flora-only to not even once check on her injuries or condition after breaking down her door, choosing to chase after the vampire, instead ( while poor Flora is left to the tender mercies of her worthless Mum- who renders badly-needed first aid, by fainting )…. Oy veh.
Another wonderful story, told by a truly gifted narrator- thank you!
yessss please continue!
I just realized it would probably be worth having a consult with a lawyer, not only for loss of income but for the purpose of challenging the copyright. Why does one company have a copyright over an entire genre, which has resulted in you getting burned when the company themselves have acknowledged you have done nothing wrong? I bet you would win and it would open a floodgate of individuals who have been burned in a similar way.
I did love my buddy Edward French's version. And I'm certain I'll love this version as well. Two of my favorite people...WIN/WIN 💜
@violetfemme411
Ай бұрын
Oh and Jasper of course. Three different styles of narrating, and all top notch 💜
More Varney please!
i would enjoy more of this book😊
You're always good but this is a tour de force! More Varney please! I've read it but your reading is making it three-dimensional for me.
Please please PLEASE do finish this! Thank you for reading it. Wonderful job. 💚💜💚
@ClassicGhost
25 күн бұрын
I suspect I won't do it. It hasn't been one of the most popular and it would be months of work for little return sadly.
Thank you
@ClassicGhost
2 ай бұрын
Fun !
Loved this penny dreadful, was hoping you might do it some day
Absolutely loved this reading! Be certain to let me know if you do decide to complete this story!
Please please can you do some more of this story as I want to know the outcome of it .loved it Tony.Thank you.
More, more, please Mr. Tony. 👍
@ClassicGhost
2 күн бұрын
I think probably maybe not for a while.
Though I'm listening to this excellent narrative now, I'll revisit this tale during the next stormy night. Many thanks, Tony Walker.
I'm looking forward to this story tonight 💛💙
The art work is absolutely fabulous and so scary.....ooooo....thank you
Victorian cheesey horror! I love it! **I love penny dreadfuls
Wow Tony❣️Just WOW❣️🙏🏻🥰
I can’t see the name “varney” without thinking, “Hey, Verne!” Sorry, I’m an American born in the 80s.
I much enjoyed hearing this narration, and your voice and inflection are perfect for the tale. I wish you the best of luck in your future growth and enterprises. Sometimes when something is not successful (in spite of your best attempts) it is simply an way of the universe making a detour so that you will be shuffled towards the better road, even if you didn't know that you should be on that road, but it is the right place to be. I hope that makes sense. What i mean to say, is, given time, the right pieces of the puzzle will appear in front of you, when you are so clearly doing something that you are passionate about, and skilled at. My spell check is being wonky, so I doubly hope that this is legible. TTFN
@ClassicGhost
Ай бұрын
Thank you for your kind wishes
Yes, I want the rest of the book. Please!?
So wonderfully melodramatic! What happens, does Flora survive? Do they catch him? Please!
Thank you, I really enjoyed this telling even though I had passing thoughts about that dreadful 70s TV series. Sorry to hear about Audible/Amazon issues. I will be very interested in any short story audiobooks you produce. Cheers.
How I miss the Late Night Sleep Radio!!!!! Is it over forever?
@ClassicGhost
Ай бұрын
Late Night Sleep Radio is like Varney. thise who love it love it intensely but there are only 6 of them (i exaggerate but it’s broadly true )
@kittima3218
Ай бұрын
@@ClassicGhost so I guess that means it's over. Boo! Sad!
Please, continue!
I’ve been interested in Varney for years now. I looked into getting some form of it once but didn’t get very far. I’d appreciate more if you were inclined.
Those images of Varney are scary as all get out !!!
Venture into the gothic shadows with 'Varney the Vampire' by James Malcolm Rymer, a seminal work in the vampire fiction genre. This sprawling tale of Sir Francis Varney's vampiric deeds and duels with the Bannerworth family unfolds with melodramatic flair, capturing the essence of Victorian horror literature. As one of the early influences on later vampire lore, including the iconic Dracula, 'Varney the Vampire' offers a captivating blend of horror, romance, and adventure. Delve into this episodic saga and explore the early traits of the vampire mythos that have fascinated readers for generations.
@ClassicGhost
29 күн бұрын
Pretty good.
Ugh big companies, can your other half open an account and do it that way? Thank you for brightening my week
I think there is a Varney silent film or kinetoscope reel as well.
@ClassicGhost
Ай бұрын
I’d like e to see that
Cheers from Portugal
@ClassicGhost
Ай бұрын
hello back . I was just reading that Portugal is one of the best places to live
Tony Enjoy the story but I enjoyed your voice more you have a beautiful sounding voice thank you for your hard work
Please read the rest of story.
AND The funky altro to boot🤤💋
A regular 'Fright Night!'
Are you from The Wirral, Tony?
@ClassicGhost
Ай бұрын
+@martinholmes-ue9ko No, i’m from Cumbria
Why the heck did I read this as “Jim Varney, the Vampire”…?
@ClassicGhost
20 күн бұрын
Jim was his nephew
It can't enter unless invited, though.
@ClassicGhost
Ай бұрын
That only came later . Varney doesnt have that rule
Feel this guy wrote sweeny Tod as well feel he wrought a lot of classic penny dreadfully
@ClassicGhost
Ай бұрын
He did
Say what you want about Varney the vampire not being “classic literature “ it seems it created the idea of the Modern vampire being sympathetic and drinking blood with fangs
Is there more to the story?
@ClassicGhost
Ай бұрын
+@thehillz726 about 700 pages
@teramitchell4074
25 күн бұрын
Will you be finishing it?
❤😮😮😮😢❤
Good luck, partner.
Ha! Varney is not a fraction as badly written as the tripe people write for Reddit and the paranormal sites here on KZread. Most of the writers are young and their grasp of what is supposed to be their native language is tentative at best. Those who write with English as a second language do much better.
The story 👍the narration 👍the thumbnail 👍
Twilight? Nooooooooooo.
Funny, the entire history of Hollywood movies is a penny dreadful.
The original story The Vampire of Croglin Grange was based upon . Presumably read by a certain Mr Stoker
Why don’t they ever move the victim to an interior room in the house with no windows?😂 There’s no way I’m not sleeping in a closet or the windowless basement if there’s a vampire coming thru my window.
@ClassicGhost
Ай бұрын
Yes it’s always the rooms with big windows