Varney, the Vampyre Vol. 1

Published between 1845 and 1847, 'Varney the Vampyre' by Thomas Peckett Prest is a seminal work in the vampire genre that influenced later classics like 'Dracula.' This penny dreadful follows Flora Bannersworth, who is attacked in her room, leading to the discovery of bite marks on her neck. As her brother Henry and family friend Mr. Marchdale investigate, they suspect the enigmatic Sir Francis Varney, who has recently moved to a nearby abbey and resembles a long-dead ancestor. This novel is notable for its early portrayal of vampirism and its impact on subsequent literature.