Helle-Biblio

'The Man' is a gothic novel combining elements of horror and romance written by Bram Stoker, the author of the acclaimed 'Dracula' made famous by the 1931 movie adaption starring Bela Lugosi. Other masters of gothic fiction include Edgar Allan Poe and H.G. Wells.

'The Man' follows the story of Stephen, a lovely young woman and Harold, who is slowly approaching manhood. This story focuses on the immense social and physical proprieties required of the pre-industrial era in England and the struggles facing Stephen and Harold in overcoming them. Stephen is a remarkable character, that has an enlightened feminist perspective ahead of her time, liberating her from the confined conventions regarding a women's role in society. Stoker's descriptive powers seen in the renowned 'Dracula' are also vividly demonstrated in 'The Man' .

A sheer pleasure to read, brimming with beautiful prose and an enchanting storyline. 'The Man' is highly recommended for readers who also enjoy classic english literature focusing on the strength of women in the face of adversity as vibrantly depicted in the works of Jane Austen and George Eliot.

Abraham "Bram" Stoker was born in Dublin in 1847. Turning to fiction in his later years, Stoker published his first short story 'The Crystal Cup' (1872) in London Society magazine. In the 1880s and 1890s, he published 'Under the Sunset' (1882) and an adventure novel titled 'The Snake’s Pass' (1890).

It was the publication of 'Dracula' in 1897 which launched Stoker into literary stardom.