Profile of the Day: Bram Stoker

Do you have Irish ancestry? 174 years ago today, Irish author Bram Stoker was born in Dublin, Ireland. In 1897, Stoker published his most famous novel, Dracula. Although he didn’t originate the concept of the vampire, Stoker’s Dracula came to define the undead creature in its modern form.

Image: Bram Stoker / Wikimedia Commons

Stoker was born Abraham Stoker on November 8, 1847 to Abraham Stoker, a civil servant, and Charlotte Mathilda Blake Thornley. The third of seven children, Stoker spent the early years of his life bedridden with an unknown illness until the age of seven.

Although he wrote several books and short stories throughout his life, Stoker is best remembered for his Gothic horror novel, Dracula. Stoker’s Count Dracula was Inspired by 15th century Wallachian prince, Vlad the Impaler, who was known for his excessive cruelty. To this day, the novel continues to inspire new adaptions in film, television, and the stage.

In the last years of his life, Stoker suffered from poor health. He died on April 20, 1912 at the age of 64.

Explore Bram Stoker’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re connected to the author!

View Bram Stoker’s Geni Profile