Théophile Gautier Article

[Matt Cowan]

I just posted a brief article on some of the works of French writer Théophile Gautier.  Although he was more famous for some of his other writing, he also wrote some excellent supernatural fiction, including the classic vampire story "The Dead Leman".  The beautiful Clarimonde belongs in the hall of fame for vampires in my opinion.

http://www.vintagehorror.com/node/165

[Jim(RelicRadio)]

But does she sparkle?  The kids like the sparkly vampires these days don't they?

Actually, not to throw this topic completely off topic in its first reply, but have you heard this business about kids biting each other to show affection thanks to those rotten movies?

[Janece]

Oh, Jim, please tell me you're kidding!!  Didn't realize we'd adopted the Klingon mating rituals as a society.  Humph!  Learn something new every day.     

[Matt Cowan]

But does she sparkle?  The kids like the sparkly vampires these days don't they?

Actually, not to throw this topic completely off topic in its first reply, but have you heard this business about kids biting each other to show affection thanks to those rotten movies?

No, there was no mention of sparkling in the story that I recall.  Actually she wasn't the bit the neck sort of vampire either.  I'd say she was closer to a psychic vampire I suppose.

It doesn't surprise me kids would try and mimic things in the popular books they read.  They don't normally think about the possible consequences that could occur, like contacting some horrible disease.  Luckily for me, I like to keep everyone but my wife at arms distance (minimum) from me at all times, so I'm safe.

[dawnkatdead]

I miss the good ol' days when a vampire ripped your face off! There is something romantic about the vampires bitting one in the neck, but I still like when they're just crazy! And thanks for the link Matt, I love classic vampire stories, I will definitely be checking out his works.

[BMJ2K (Barry)]

I prefer the old, old, concept of the vampire- a crawling, loathsome thing, reeks of the grave, covered in worms or maggots, would just as soon devour a rat if no person was near. Not a thing romantic about them, just vile. People were more often to be bitten on the ankle than on the neck by these crawling things sneaking up on them through the mud.

[dawnkatdead]

Upon reading the description of The Mummy's Foot, I found that I have read it. A really good short story.

[Jim(RelicRadio)]

I prefer the old, old, concept of the vampire- a crawling, loathsome thing, reeks of the grave, covered in worms or maggots, would just as soon devour a rat if no person was near. Not a thing romantic about them, just vile. People were more often to be bitten on the ankle than on the neck by these crawling things sneaking up on them through the mud.

Everything a monster should be.  More Nosferatu, less seductive neck nibbling.

Oh, Jim, please tell me you're kidding!!  Didn't realize we'd adopted the Klingon mating rituals as a society.

No, that's what I heard.  This was after one of the Twilight movies came out. 

[Matt Cowan]

I prefer the old, old, concept of the vampire- a crawling, loathsome thing, reeks of the grave, covered in worms or maggots, would just as soon devour a rat if no person was near. Not a thing romantic about them, just vile. People were more often to be bitten on the ankle than on the neck by these crawling things sneaking up on them through the mud.

Yes, i prefer monsters to be well... monstrous, however the vampire in "The Dead Leman" is a beautiful woman.  Still, it was very atmospheric and engrossing.  I don't get into vampire stuff too often, but I did love the first 2 Blade movies.  Blade would slaughter all those manby-pamby twilight vampires (I actually know next to nothing about Twilight to be honest).

[Matt Cowan]

Upon reading the description of The Mummy's Foot, I found that I have read it. A really good short story.

It was a good little tale.  My only knock against it was it didn't seem like an actual horror story (everyone was a bit too congenial). 

[skinner]

Upon reading the description of The Mummy's Foot, I found that I have read it. A really good short story.

It was a good little tale.  My only knock against it was it didn't seem like an actual horror story (everyone was a bit too congenial).

""Pardon," said the Mummy, as he wiped his dusty wrappings upon the welcome mat, "but I'd rather like to murder you, if that's alright.""

[Janece]

""Pardon," said the Mummy, as he wiped his dusty wrappings upon the welcome mat, "but I'd rather like to murder you, if that's alright.""