Penguin Classics Reissues Gothic Classic Vampire Novel
The 1897 novel The Blood of the Vampire returns to shelves featuring its iconic biracial and bisexual protagonist.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in LGBTQand
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Penguin Classics has released a new edition of Florence Marryat's 1897 novel, The Blood of the Vampire. The gothic story follows Harriet Brandt, a biracial and bisexual protagonist who possesses the supernatural ability to drain the life energy of those around her.
Why it matters
The re-release taps into a growing interest in LGBTQ+ representation and the rediscovery of forgotten women writers. By bringing this century-old narrative back into print, the publisher aims to introduce modern readers to early explorations of complex identity.
Originally published in 1897, the 129-year-old novel features a protagonist of Jamaican and English ancestry. The author, Florence Marryat, passed away just two years after the work's initial release in 1899.
The players
Florence Marryat
She was an English author who wrote over 70 books and was active in the late 19th century.
Penguin Classics
This publishing imprint specializes in reissuing literary works of enduring historical importance.
Harriet Brandt
She is the fictional biracial and bisexual protagonist of the novel who possesses supernatural abilities.
The details
The narrative explores deep themes of race, sexuality, and womanhood through the supernatural experiences of Harriet Brandt. As a central figure, Brandt defies Victorian conventions while grappling with her unique, life-draining powers.
Timeline
1897 marked the original publication year of the novel.
Author Florence Marryat died in 1899.
The new Penguin Classics edition was released on October 13, 2026.
Culture Shift
The re-release follows a broader trend in publishing that prioritizes the rediscovery of women writers whose works were previously excluded from the traditional canon. This shift highlights a modern cultural push to re-examine Victorian-era narratives through the lens of intersectional identity.
Readers interested in gothic literature can now access this long-out-of-print title through major booksellers and online platforms. The edition provides an accessible way for audiences to engage with a landmark novel that predates modern genre conventions.
The takeaway
This re-release demonstrates how historic fiction can remain relevant by tackling themes of identity and power that resonate with contemporary audiences. Readers should look for classics that challenge traditional archetypes to better understand the evolution of diverse representation in literature.
Further reading
Explore more analysis of identity in literature in our LGBTQand section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TimesNow.
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