Bram Stoker (1847 - 1912). Born in Clontarf, Dublin to parents from Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal. He is the Irish writer responsible for the classic Gothic horror tale 'Dracula'. Stoker was an invalid in early childhood. He was bed ridden, unable to stand or walk till he was reached the age of seven when he made a complete recovery. Of this time, Stoker wrote, "I was naturally thoughtful, and the leisure of long illness gave opportunity for many thoughts which were fruitful according to their kind in later years." His masterpiece, Dracula, appeared in 1897. The novel is written chiefly in the form of diaries and journals kept by the principal characters who made the first contact with the vampire Count Dracula. The story is that of a Transylvanian vampire who, using supernatural powers, makes his way to England and there victimizes innocent people to gain the blood on which he survives. The novel was incredibly popular on its release and has, ever since spawned numerous theatrical, film and television interpretations.