“Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett Prest: The Forgotten Gothic Classic that Shaped Vampire Fiction
Introduction
“Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett Prest is a lesser-known yet profoundly influential work that has quietly lingered in obscurity. Published in (1845-1847), in the vast, shadowy canon of Gothic literature, where iconic names such as “Dracula” by Bram Stoker and “Carmilla” by Sheridan Le Fanu dominate the genre’s legacy, this sprawling opus was serialised in the sensational “penny dreadfuls,” cheap literature that captivated Victorian readers with lurid tales of horror and intrigue. Over the course of two years, “Varney” spanned an astonishing 220 chapters, amounting to more than 800,000 words—making it one of the longest novels ever written. Despite its length and episodic nature, this work carved out an essential place in vampire fiction, introducing key tropes that would come to define the genre. However, “Varney”’s peculiar blend of chaotic narrative, florid prose, and complex characters has resulted in its relegation to the margins of literary history. Nevertheless, its influence on the portrayal of vampires in literature and pop culture is undeniable, laying the groundwork for the menacing yet sympathetic figures that would come later.
“Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett Prest: The Creation of a Byronic Vampire
Long before Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” captivated the world with his cold, calculating villainy, “Varney the Vampire” introduced readers to Sir Francis Varney—a character who defied simple categorisation as either monster or man. Varney is a Byronic anti-hero, embodying many of the qualities of Lord Byron’s tragic protagonists: he is brooding, tormented, and often self-loathing, traits that distinguish him from the mindless, bloodthirsty creatures of early vampire lore. Unlike the depictions of vampires as mere monsters, Varney has a depth of character that makes him both despicable and strangely sympathetic. He is a tortured soul who expresses regret over his condition, often lamenting his immortality and the bloodlust that controls him. This internal struggle humanises Varney and anticipates later vampire figures, such as Anne Rice’s “Lestat” or “Twilight”’s “Edward Cullen”, who wrestle with their dual natures as both predators and sentient beings capable of remorse. Through Varney, Rymer and Prest explored the duality of good and evil within a single character, making him a precursor to the more psychologically complex vampires that would follow in later Gothic fiction. Varney is not purely a villain but a character shaped by tragic circumstances—a figure that invites both fear and pity.
Varney’s Role in Establishing Vampire Lore
What makes “Varney the Vampire” particularly significant in the broader scope of vampire mythology is its introduction of tropes that have become standard in vampire lore. One of the most notable aspects of Varney’s character is his hypnotic influence over his victims. This trait would later be associated with Dracula and countless other vampires in film and literature. Varney, like many of his literary successors, has the power to mesmerise his prey, drawing them helplessly into his clutches—a concept that introduces the idea of vampires as seducers, not merely predators. Additionally, “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett Prest presents one of the earliest detailed accounts of vampiric feeding, with Varney’s method of leaving twin puncture marks on his victims’ necks—a now-iconic feature of vampire attacks. This small but crucial detail became a defining characteristic of vampires in later literature and media, cementing the image of the fanged vampire that feeds on human blood.
Moreover, Varney is one of the first vampires to seek redemption actively. While his moments of remorse are inconsistent and often overridden by his predatory instincts, the tension between his desire for absolution and his inevitable return to bloodshed is a compelling theme that sets him apart from earlier representations of the undead. Unlike the remorseless revenants of folklore, Varney experiences moments of conscience, questioning the morality of his existence and the consequences of his actions. This complexity paved the way for the conflicted vampires that populate modern literature, from the introspective Louis in “Interview with the Vampire” to the melancholic “Angel” in Joss Whedon’s “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”. By portraying Varney as a creature of both monstrous appetite and human emotion, Rymer and Prest expanded the possibilities for vampire characters, allowing them to be depicted not only as fearsome entities but also as tragic figures tormented by their nature.
The Chaotic Narrative that Reflects the Cultural Zeitgeist in “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett Prest
At over 800,000 words, “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett Prest is not a novel in the conventional sense but a serialised work designed to keep readers coming back for more. Published in weekly instalments in “penny dreadfuls,” which were notorious for their sensational and often violent content, “Varney” is episodic, frequently meandering, and filled with cliffhangers that would have left Victorian readers breathless with anticipation. Its structure is chaotic, with plotlines that seem to drift aimlessly and characters who come and go with little explanation. However, this disorderly narrative is part of the novel’s charm. It reflects the sensibilities of its time—a Victorian era rife with anxieties about science, religion, and the boundaries of life and death. The novel frequently delves into themes that were on the cutting edge of 19th-century discourse, such as mesmerism, medical advancements, and the mysteries of the human mind. Varney’s vampirism, often portrayed as a form of disease or infection, echoes contemporary fears of contagion and the unknown forces that could corrupt the body and soul.
The sprawling, disjointed nature of the story also mirrors the serial format in which it was published, allowing for a sprawling range of adventures, settings, and tones, from Gothic horror to melodrama to satire. Rymer and Prest took full advantage of the flexibility offered by the serialised format, incorporating everything from political intrigue to slapstick comedy, creating a work that is by turns horrifying and absurd. While modern readers and scholars have criticised this inconsistency, it also reflects the fluid, experimental nature of the “penny dreadfuls”—literature that was written to entertain and shock rather than to adhere to traditional narrative conventions. “Varney” was designed to sell, provoke, and satisfy the Victorian public’s insatiable hunger for the macabre.
The Influence of “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett Prest on Later Vampire Fiction
Although “Varney the Vampire” may not be as well-known as “Dracula”, its influence on subsequent vampire fiction cannot be overstated. Many of the tropes introduced in “Varney” were later popularised by Stoker’s more refined and tightly plotted novel, including the idea of vampires having supernatural powers, such as strength, hypnotism, and rapid regeneration. The dual nature of Varney as both a fearsome predator and a tortured, repentant figure also anticipated the evolution of vampires into more sympathetic characters, as seen in later works like Anne Rice’s “The Vampire Chronicles”, which examine the moral dilemmas faced by immortal beings. Even Varney’s end—a tragic, voluntary death by suicide—suggests a narrative arc of redemption that prefigures modern vampire tales, in which vampires often seek peace or finality after centuries of suffering.
Moreover, Varney’s relationship with his victims, particularly women, set the tone for the often sexually charged dynamics between vampires and humans in later literature. His attack on the virtuous Flora Bannerworth is one of the novel’s most iconic scenes, marked by a blend of violence and eroticism that would become a staple of vampire fiction. The image of the vampire as both a seductive and terrifying figure, capable of eliciting both fear and desire, owes much to Varney’s portrayal. This duality—vampire as both lover and predator—would come to define later works like “Dracula” and “Twilight”, cementing the vampire as a symbol of repressed desires and forbidden passions.
Varney’s Legacy: A Forgotten Giant
Despite its massive length, lurid content, and widespread popularity during its initial run, “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett Prest fell into relative obscurity by the 20th century, overshadowed by more polished works like “Dracula”. Part of this can be attributed to the novel’s inconsistent tone and unwieldy narrative, which make it a challenging read for modern audiences. However, its importance to the development of vampire literature should not be underestimated. “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” is a critical stepping stone between the folklore-based vampire of legend and the sophisticated, psychologically complex figures that dominate contemporary fiction.
Although Rymer and Prest’s work may not be celebrated with the same reverence as that of Stoker or Le Fanu, its influence is pervasive. Without “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett Prest, many of the tropes that define modern vampire fiction—from the hypnotic gaze of the vampire to their internal struggle for redemption—might never have taken root. Sir Francis Varney, with his blend of monstrosity and humanity, is the forgotten ancestor of a long and illustrious lineage of vampires whose legacy continues to shape the genre today. Rediscovering “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” is like opening a crypt that contains not just a relic of the past but the very bones of a genre.
Rediscovering “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett: The Significance of Serialized Gothic Fiction
The rediscovery of “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett offers an intriguing glimpse into the nature of serialised Gothic fiction and its role in shaping popular culture during the Victorian era. Serialised novels like “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” were essential in making literature accessible to the working class. With its publication in “penny dreadfuls”, “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” was affordable, and its episodic nature ensured that readers were constantly engaged and eager for the next instalment. The cliffhanger endings, shocking twists, and lurid themes were designed to captivate an audience who craved both escapism and sensationalism.
What makes “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett particularly significant is its reflection of the fears and fascinations of its time. The mid-19th century was a period marked by industrialisation, scientific discovery, and shifting religious beliefs. Advances in medicine and the growing knowledge of the human body introduced new anxieties about life, death, and what might lie beyond. Vampires, with their undead status, embodied these fears—blurring the line between life and death, science and superstition. Varney’s vampirism, sometimes portrayed as a curse and other times as a form of disease, echoes contemporary concerns about contamination and the fragility of human existence. This aspect of the novel allowed it to tap into the collective unconscious of a society grappling with its mortality and the limits of scientific understanding.
Moreover, the serialised format of Varney the Vampire allowed the authors to delve into a rich tapestry of Gothic themes, ranging from eerie mansions shrouded in mystery to concealed family secrets that threaten the social order. The narrative structure enabled Rymer and Prest to intricately intertwine supernatural horror with pressing social issues, highlighting the complexities of class dynamics, the struggle for identity, and the significance of inheritance. By blending these genres, Varney not only entertained its readers but also prompted reflections on the societal norms and anxieties of the time, ultimately enriching the Gothic tradition. The Bannerworth family, at the centre of Varney’s torment, is plagued not only by Varney’s predations but also by their financial ruin, echoing a common Victorian preoccupation with the decline of aristocratic wealth. These social and economic anxieties are woven within the narrative, bringing depth and complexity to what might otherwise be dismissed as merely a sensationalist tale of horror.
A Study in Gothic Melodrama
One of the most distinctive aspects of “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett is its melodramatic tone, a hallmark of penny-dreadful literature that simultaneously attracts and repels readers. While today’s audiences may find the overwrought emotions and exaggerated dialogue excessive, it was precisely this melodrama that made the novel so gripping to its Victorian audience. The feelings are heightened to a fever pitch, with characters frequently fainting, weeping, or screaming in response to Varney’s attacks. Yet, beneath this melodrama lies a genuine exploration of fear, helplessness, and the human desire for control in the face of inexplicable evil.
Varney’s presence itself is a manifestation of these fears. His sudden appearances at windows, his ability to invade homes at will, and his control over women highlight the Victorian anxiety about the permeability of personal boundaries—both physical and moral. In this way, Varney becomes more than just a vampire; he is a symbol of uncontrollable external forces that threaten the sanctity of the home, a central concern in 19th-century Britain, where the ideal of domesticity was highly valued. Varney’s violation of these spaces—his ability to strike at the heart of the family—represents the ultimate Gothic transgression, an assault on the very institution that Victorian society held most sacred.
Moreover, Varney’s repeated attempts at redemption add another layer of drama, providing moments of genuine moral conflict. Though he is undoubtedly a villain, there are points in the story where his desire for death and peace leads him to act in almost heroic ways. In this way, the novel’s tone becomes unpredictable, shifting between horror, tragedy, and even moments of dark comedy, where Varney’s awareness of his villainous role verges on self-parody. These shifts in tone, while jarring to some readers, add a sense of dynamism and complexity that is rarely acknowledged in modern critiques of the novel.
The Tragic Ending of “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood”: Varney’s Quest for Redemption
As “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett reaches its conclusion, the fate of Sir Francis Varney takes on a particularly tragic tone, bringing to light the inherent contradictions within his character and the Gothic genre itself. After centuries of torment and a string of victims, Varney finally meets his end, but not at the hands of an angry mob or a determined hero. In a poignant twist, Varney takes his own life by throwing himself into Mount Vesuvius—a rare instance of a vampire actively seeking his destruction rather than being vanquished.
This ending is both surprising and fitting, as it encapsulates the inner turmoil that has defined Varney throughout the novel. His death is not the result of human triumph over evil, as is typical in Gothic fiction, but rather a voluntary relinquishment of life—a final surrender to the despair that has plagued him since his transformation into a vampire. In many ways, this ending anticipates the modern trend of vampire characters who seek an end to their immortal existence, from Louis in “Interview with the Vampire” to Bill in “True Blood”. Varney’s suicide represents not only his longing for release from his eternal damnation but also a broader Gothic theme: the inescapability of one’s fate.
The conclusion also speaks to a critical Gothic motif—the cyclical nature of suffering. Just as the Bannerworths’ family curse cannot be escaped, neither can Varney free himself from the consequences of his vampirism. His death is not a release but rather the final act in a play of endless torment, suggesting that proper redemption, in the Gothic worldview, is an unattainable ideal. This melancholic resolution to Varney’s story is emblematic of the Gothic tradition’s preoccupation with doom, fatalism, and the futility of human struggle.
The Forgotten Legacy and Varney’s Revival
For decades, “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett languished in obscurity, forgotten by the literary mainstream and overshadowed by the towering figure of Dracula. The “penny dreadful” format, combined with the novel’s uneven pacing and melodramatic style, led many critics to dismiss “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett as pulp fiction unworthy of serious consideration. However, recent scholarship has begun to recognise the novel’s importance in the development of vampire literature and its role in shaping the Gothic genre.
In the 21st century, “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” has experienced a modest revival, fueled by the growing interest in Gothic studies and the reevaluation of “lowbrow” literature as an essential component of literary history. Scholars have pointed out that “Varney”’s influence on later vampire fiction is undeniable, even if indirect. The novel’s exploration of vampirism as a curse, the vampire’s hypnotic power, and the complex morality of its protagonist laid the groundwork for the sophisticated portrayals of vampires that followed.
Modern adaptations of vampire lore, from television shows to movies and books, owe a debt to the chaotic, sensational world of “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett. While Rymer and Prest’s work may never attain the literary recognition of “Dracula”, its importance as a cultural artefact and its contributions to vampire mythology is undeniable. As readers and scholars alike continue to rediscover “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood”, the novel’s legacy becomes increasingly evident. It transcends being merely a relic of Victorian popular culture; instead, it stands as a foundational text that has left a lasting impact on the evolution of Gothic fiction. Its themes, characterisations, and narrative techniques resonate in contemporary works, influencing how modern audiences perceive and engage with the vampire mythos. By revisiting this seminal work, one gains insight into the historical context and cultural anxieties that shaped the genre, highlighting its relevance even in today’s literary landscape.
Indeed, “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett stands as a unique and influential Gothic text, one that not only entertained its Victorian audience but also helped define the vampire genre as we know it today. Its serialised format, chaotic narrative, and the tragic complexity of its titular character offer insights into the anxieties and fascinations of 19th-century Britain, while its lasting influence on vampire fiction continues to be felt in modern portrayals of the undead. Rediscovering “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” allows us to see the evolution of the vampire myth in a new light, tracing the origins of our fascination with these creatures of darkness back to one of the most unusual and overlooked works in Gothic literature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett Prest occupies a unique space within Gothic literature and the vampire mythos. Though often overshadowed by more polished works like “Dracula”, “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” remains an essential text that captures the anxieties, fears, and fascinations of Victorian society. Its serialised format, sensational storytelling, and exploration of moral ambiguity have helped shape the portrayal of vampires in literature, making it a foundational work in the genre. The tragic complexity of Sir Francis Varney—neither wholly villain nor hero—provides a compelling portrait of a creature trapped between life and death, seeking redemption in a world where escape seems impossible. As modern readers and scholars revisit this overlooked gem, “Varney the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood” by James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Peckett Prest emerges not just as a product of its time but as a lasting influence on the ever-evolving figure of the vampire in popular culture. Its rediscovery offers valuable insights into the origins of Gothic horror and the enduring appeal of the undead.
