The Jewel of Seven Stars (ePub)

Bram Stoker, born Abraham Stoker on November 8, 1847, in Dublin, Ireland, is most widely recognized for ushering in a new era of Gothic horror with his quintessential novel, 'Dracula' (1897). However, his literary prowess extends beyond this hallmark of vampire fiction. Educated at Trinity College in Dublin, Stoker graduated with honors in mathematics. He began his career in the civil service, but his passion for the arts led him to become the theatre critic for the Dublin Evening Mail, co-owned by the renown Gothic writer Sheridan Le Fanu.

Stoker's fascination with the supernatural and the macabre is also palpably evident in his lesser-known, yet thematically rich novel 'The Jewel of Seven Stars' (1903). This narrative explores Egyptology and the occult, delving into the mystery surrounding an attempt to resurrect an ancient Egyptian queen. Stoker's meticulous research for this novel reflects his interest in the prevailing Egyptomania and demonstrates a linkage between Victorian anxieties over scientific advancements and the allure of ancient curses.

Stoker's literary style often manifests through an epistolary structure, complex characters, and detailed atmospheric settings. His works have been critical in shaping the horror genre and remain influential to this day. Stoker passed away on April 20, 1912, but left behind a legacy as a master storyteller whose themes piercingly explored the human condition, fear, and the supernatural.