Varney the Vampire: Introduction and Table of Contents
Varney the Vampire; or, the Feast of Blood is a gothic horror story that was serialized between 1845 and 1847 in penny dreadful pamphlets. In 1847, the complete story was published as a three-volume book that was nearly 667,000 words long and split into 232 chapters. All the modern reproductions I could find are around half this length.
Varney the Vampire was published by the London-based publisher Edward Lloyd, who paid his authors by the line and had a policy against publishing writers’ names alongside their work. Because of this, it’s unclear who wrote Varney the Vampire. Some people believe it was written by James Malcolm Rymer, while others think it was Thomas Preskett Prest. Many more believe both authors had a hand in writing Varney the Vampire. Due to the many inconsistencies and mistakes throughout the work, a joint-effort seems likely because the errors may be attributable to the left hand not knowing what the right hand was doing.
The central character is Sir Francis Varney, who has been cursed to walk the earth as a vampire as a punishment for past wrong doings. Varney the Vampire is notable for being the first story to feature a vampire with pointed, fang-like teeth, and many scholars believe the work strongly influenced later authors of vampire fiction, including Bram Stoker, who wrote his Dracula novel 50 years after Varney the Vampire first became available as a book.
Most printed and online copies of Varney the Vampire have chapter titles that can be confusing. For example: “Chapter I—Midnight—the Hail-Storm—the Dreadful Visitor—the Vampyre”. I have yet to find a copy that explains the reasons for the unusual titles. I am going to offer an explanation. When the first printed Varney the Vampire book was published, in 1847, each chapter consisted of the content from three or four penny dreadfuls. Once you know this, it reveals how short penny dreadfuls were. However, let’s not forget, they only cost a penny and, in the case of the Varney the Vampire; or, the Feast of Blood people who bought the first one also received nos, 2, 3, and 4 as well—free of charge. If you look at the picture of the cover (shown above) you will see it states this.
Most Varney the Vampire online books are based on the copy provided by Project Gutenburg. These days, this seems to be the case with most print editions as well, and it’s certainly the case with the edition I am providing on this site. Unfortunately, the Gutenberg copy is not complete. The transcriber’s note makes this clear, stating “This edition does not include the entire 109 episodes.” The reasons behind the “episode” omissions are not explained. Perhaps some of them have been lost. Nor is it clear what the transcriber means by “episodes”—let’s not forget the original allegedly had 232 chapters.
As I am preparing this online book of Varney the Vampire, I will note any problems as they arise, and use footnotes or supplementary pages to provide additional information. I will also provide links to explain any archaic words and phrases.
Varney the Vampire is in the public domain. There are no restrictions on the story’s use. However, this introduction is unique to this site and should not be copied.
THIS ONLINE BOOK OF VARNEY THE VAMPIRE IS A WORK IN PROGRESS. I AM ADDING THE CHAPTERS AS I READ THEM. EACH OF THE CHAPTER LINKS BELOW WILL BECOME ACTIVE AFTER I ADD THE RELEVANT CHAPTER TO THE SITE.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter I: Midnight | The Hail-Storm | The Dreadful Visitor | The Vampyre
Chapter II: The Alarm | The Pistol Shot |The Pursuit and Its Consequences
Chapter III: The Disappearance of the Body | Flora’s Recovery and Madness | The Night Watch[1]
Chapter IV: The Morning | The Consultation | The Fearful Suggestion
Chapter V: The Offer of Assistance from Sir Francis Varney | The Proposal | The Moonlight | The Fearful Adventure[1]
Chapter VI: A Glance at the Bannerworth Family | The Probable Consequences of the Mysterious Apparition’s Appearance
Chapter VII: The Visit to the Vault of the Bannerworths[2]
Chapter VIII. The Coffin | The Absence of the Dead | The Mysterious Circumstance, and the Consternation of George
Chapter IX. The Occurrences of the Night at the Hall | The Second Appearance of the Vampyre, and the Pistol-Shot
Chapter X. The Return from the Vault | the Alarm, and the Search Around the Hall
Chapter XI. The Communications to the Lover | the Heart’s Despair
Chapter XII. Charles Holland’s Sad Feelings | The Portrait | The Occurrence of the Night at the Hall
Chapter XIII. The Offer for the Hall | The Visit to Sir Francis Varney | The Strange Resemblance | A Dreadful Suggestion
Chapter XIV. Henry’s Agreement with Sir Francis Varney | The Sudden Arrival at the Hall | Flora’s Alarm
Chapter XV. The Old Admiral and His Servant | The Communication from the Landlord of the Nelson’s Arms
Chapter XVI. The Meeting of the Lovers in the Garden | An Affecting Scene | The Sudden Appearance of Sir Francis Varney
Chapter XVII. The Explanation | The Arrival of the Admiral at the House | A Scene of Confusion, and Some of Its Results
Chapter XVIII. The Admiral’s Advice | The Challenge to the Vampyre | The New Servant at the Hall
Chapter XIX. Flora in Her Chamber | Her Fears | The Manuscript | An Adventure
Chapter XX. The Dreadful Mistake | The Terrific Interview in the Chamber | The Attack of the Vampyre
Chapter XXI. The Conference Between the Uncle and Nephew, and the Alarm
Chapter XXII. The Consultation | The Determination to Leave the Hall
Chapter XXIII. The Admiral’s Advice to Charles Holland | The Challenge to the Vampyre
Chapter XXIV. The Quarrel | The Letter to Charles |The Admiral’s Narrative[3]
Chapter XXV. The Admiral’s Opinion | The Request of Charles
Chapter XXVI. The Meeting by Moonlight in the Park | The Turret Window in the Hall | The Letters
Chapter XXVII. The Noble Confidence of Flora Bannerworth in Her Lover | Her Opinion of the Three Letters | The Admiral’s Admiration
Chapter XXVIII. Mr. Marchdale’s Exculpation of Himself | The Search Through the Gardens | The Spot of the Deadly Struggle | The Mysterious Paper
Chapter XXIX. A Peep Through an Iron Grating | The Lonely Prisoner in His Dungeon | The Mystery
Chapter XXX. The Offer | The Solemn Asseveration[4]
Chapter XXXI. Sir Francis Varney and His Mysterious Visitor | The Strange Conference
Chapter XXXII. The Thousand Pounds | The Stranger’s Precautions
Chapter XXXIII The Strange Interview | the Chase Through the Hall[5]
Chapter XXXIV. The Threat | Its Consequences | The Rescue, and Sir Francis Varney’s Danger
Chapter XXXV. The Explanation | Marchdale’s Advice[6]
Chapter XXXVI. The Consultation | The Projected Removal, and the Admiral’s Anger[7]
Chapter XXXVII. Sir Francis Varney’s Separate Opponents | The Interposition of Flora
Chapter XXXVIII. Marchdale’s Offer | The Consultation at Bannerworth Hall | The Morning of the Duel
Chapter XXXIX. The Storm and the Fight | The Admiral’s Repudiation of His Principal
Chapter XL. The Popular Riot | Sir Francis Varney’s Danger | The Suggestion and Its Results
*The Project Gutenburg copy of Varney the Vampire, and the many copies based on it, jump from Chapter XL (chapter 40) to Chapter XLIV (Chapter 44). However, anyone following the story will see there are not, as it appears, three chapters missing at this point. The original transcriber (who created the table of contents) must have become confused over the numbering with Roman numerals. I also noticed several of the preceding chapters were at least double the normal length. Perhaps these were originally intended to be split to provide the other three chapters.
For the A Passion for Horror online book of Varney the Vampire, I have modified the chapter numbers to (hopefully) avoid reader confusion.
Chapter XLI. Varney’s Danger, and His Rescue | The Prisoner Again, and the Subterranean Vault
Chapter XLII. The Open Graves | The Dead Bodies | A Scene of Terror
Chapter XLIII. The Preparations for Leaving Bannerworth Hall, and the Mysterious Conduct of the Admiral and Mr. Chillingworth
Chapter XLIV. The Removal from the Hall | The Night Watch, and the Alarm
Chapter XLV. The Stake and the Dead Body
Chapter XLVI. A Scene of Terror: The Soldiers’ Discovery | The Confrontation in the Attic[8]
Chapter XLVII. The Mob’s Arrival at Sir Francis Varney’s | The Attempt to Gain Admission
Chapter XLVIII. The Attack Upon the Vampyre’s House | The Story of the Attack | The Forcing of the Doors, and the Struggle
Chapter XLIX The Interview Between the Mob and Sir Francis Varney | The Mysterious Disappearance | The Wine Cellars
Chapter L. The Destruction of Sir Francis Varney’s House by Fire | The Arrival of the Military, and a Second Mob
Chapter LI. The Burning of Varney’s House | A Night Scene | Popular Superstition
Chapter LII. The Return of the Mob and Military to the Town | The Madness of the Mob | The Grocer’s Revenge
CHAPTER LVI.—THE DEPARTURE OF THE BANNERWORTHS FROM THE HALL.—THE NEW ABODE.—JACK PRINGLE, PILOT.
CHAPTER LVII.—THE LONELY WATCH, AND THE ADVENTURE IN THE DESERTED HOUSE.
CHAPTER LVIII.—THE ARRIVAL OF JACK PRINGLE.—MIDNIGHT AND THE VAMPYRE.—THE MYSTERIOUS HAT.
CHAPTER LIX.—THE WARNING.—THE NEW PLAN OF OPERATION.—THE INSULTING MESSAGE FROM VARNEY.
CHAPTER LX.—THE INTERRUPTED BREAKFAST AT SIR FRANCIS VARNEY’S.
CHAPTER LXI.—THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGER.—THE PARTICULARS OF THE SUICIDE AT BANNERWORTH HALL.
CHAPTER LXII.—THE MYSTERIOUS MEETING IN THE RUIN AGAIN.—THE VAMPYRE’S ATTACK UPON THE CONSTABLE.
CHAPTER LXIII.—THE GUESTS AT THE INN, AND THE STORY OF THE DEAD UNCLE.
CHAPTER LXIV.—THE VAMPIRE IN THE MOONLIGHT.—THE FALSE FRIEND.
CHAPTER LXV.—VARNEY’S VISIT TO THE DUNGEON OF THE LONELY PRISONER IN THE RUINS.
CHAPTER LXVI.—FLORA BANNERWORTH’S APPARENT INCONSISTENCY.—THE ADMIRAL’S CIRCUMSTANCES AND ADVICE.—MR. CHILLINGWORTH’S MYSTERIOUS ABSENCE.
CHAPTER LXVII.—THE ADMIRAL’S STORY OF THE BEAUTIFUL BELINDA.
CHAPTER LXVIII.—MARCHDALE’S ATTEMPTED VILLANY, AND THE RESULT.
CHAPTER LXIX.—FLORA BANNERWORTH AND HER MOTHER.—THE EPISODE OF CHIVALRY.
CHAPTER LXX.—THE FUNERAL OF THE STRANGER OF THE INN.—THE POPULAR COMMOTION, AND MRS. CHILLINGWORTH’S APPEAL TO THE MOB.—THE NEW RIOT.—THE HALL IN DANGER.
CHAPTER LXXI.—THE STRANGE MEETING AT THE HALL BETWEEN MR. CHILLINGWORTH AND THE MYSTERIOUS FRIEND OF VARNEY.
CHAPTER LXXII.—THE STRANGE STORY.—THE ARRIVAL OF THE MOB AT THE HALL, AND THEIR DISPERSION.
CHAPTER LXXIII.—THE VISIT OF THE VAMPIRE.—THE GENERAL MEETING.
CHAPTER LXXIV.—THE MEETING OF CHARLES AND FLORA.
CHAPTER LXXV.—MUTUAL EXPLANATIONS, AND THE VISIT TO THE RUINS.
CHAPTER LXXVI.—THE SECOND NIGHT-WATCH OF MR. CHILLINGWORTH AT THE HALL.
CHAPTER LXXVII.—VARNEY IN THE GARDEN.—THE COMMUNICATION OF DR. CHILLINGWORTH TO THE ADMIRAL AND HENRY.
CHAPTER LXXVIII.—THE ALTERCATION BETWEEN VARNEY AND THE EXECUTIONER IN THE HALL.—THE MUTUAL AGREEMENT.
CHAPTER LXXIX.—THE VAMPYRE’S DANGER.—THE LAST REFUGE.—THE RUSE OF HENRY BANNERWORTH.
CHAPTER LXXX.—THE DISCOVERY OF THE BODY OF MARCHDALE IN THE RUINS BY THE MOB.—THE BURNING OF THE CORPSE.—THE MURDER OF THE HANGMAN.
CHAPTER LXXXI.—THE VAMPYRE’S FLIGHT.—HIS DANGER, AND THE LAST PLACE OF REFUGE.
CHAPTER LXXXII.—CHARLES HOLLAND’S PURSUIT OF THE VAMPYRE.—THE DANGEROUS INTERVIEW.
CHAPTER LXXXIII.—THE MYSTERIOUS ARRIVAL AT THE INN.—THE HUNGARIAN NOBLEMAN.—THE LETTER TO VARNEY.
CHAPTER LXXXIV.—THE EXCITED POPULACE.—VARNEY HUNTED.—THE PLACE OF REFUGE.
CHAPTER LXXXV.—THE HUNGARIAN NOBLEMAN GETS INTO DANGER.—HE IS FIRED AT, AND SHOWS SOME OF HIS QUALITY.
CHAPTER LXXXVI.—THE DISCOVERY OF THE POCKET BOOK OF MARMADUKE BANNERWORTH.—ITS MYSTERIOUS CONTENTS.
CHAPTER LXXXVII.—THE HUNT FOR VARNEY.—THE HOUSE-TOPS.—THE MIRACULOUS ESCAPE.—THE LAST PLACE OF REFUGE.—THE COTTAGE.
CHAPTER LXXXVIII.—THE RECEPTION OF THE VAMPYRE BY FLORA.—VARNEY SUBDUED.
CHAPTER LXXXIX.—TELLS WHAT BECAME OF THE SECOND VAMPYRE WHO SOUGHT VARNEY.
CHAPTER XC.—DR. CHILLINGWORTH AT THE HALL.—THE ENCOUNTER OF MYSTERY.—THE CONFLICT.—THE RESCUE, AND THE PICTURE.
CHAPTER XCI.—THE GRAND CONSULTATION BROKEN UP BY MRS. CHILLINGWORTH, AND THE DISAPPEARANCE OF VARNEY.
CHAPTER XCII.—THE MISADVENTURE OF THE DOCTOR WITH THE PICTURE.
CHAPTER XCIII.—THE ALARM AT ANDERBURY.—THE SUSPICIONS OF THE BANNERWORTH FAMILY, AND THE MYSTERIOUS COMMUNICATION.
CHAPTER XCIV.—THE VISITOR, AND THE DEATH IN THE SUBTERRANEAN PASSAGE.
CHAPTER XCV.—THE MARRIAGE IN THE BANNERWORTH FAMILY ARRANGED.
CHAPTER XCVI.—THE BARON TAKES ANDERBURY HOUSE, AND DECIDES UPON GIVING A GRAND ENTERTAINMENT.
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1. In their tables of contents, most copies of Varney the Vampire list the third chapter in the following way: CHAPTER III.—THE DISAPPEARANCE OF THE BODY.—FLORA’S RECOVERY AND MADNESS.—THE OFFER OF ASSISTANCE FROM SIR FRANCIS VARNEY. However, Sir Francis Varney does not offer his assistance until chapter 5, when he sends a letter to Bannerworth household, so there is an obvious error. Most copies of Varney the Vampire state the fifth chapter contains the following segments: CHAPTER V.—THE NIGHT WATCH.—THE PROPOSAL.—THE MOONLIGHT.—THE FEARFUL ADVENTURE. This is another error. The fifth chapter does not begin with the night watch. It begins with the aforementioned offer of assistance. However, the third chapter ends with a night watch. I have amended both chapter segments (swapped things around) so that they reflect the true content of each chapter.
2. According to all the copies I have been able to check, Varney the Vampire, chapter VII contains the following segments: THE VISIT TO THE VAULT OF THE BANNERWORTHS, AND ITS UNPLEASANT RESULT.—THE MYSTERY. This does not reflect the true content of the chapter, which focuses on the exploits of Henry, George, Mr. Marchdale, and Mr. Mr. Chillingworth. The chapter begins with them making a trip to the church, breaking in, and gaining access to the vault. The chapter ends with the four men arriving in the vault and lighting a candle. Nothing unpleasant happens, and there is no mystery. I have amended the segment list accordingly.
3. According to all the copies I have been able to check, chapter XXIV contains the following segments: The Letter to Charles | The Quarrel | The Admiral’s Narrative | The Midnight Meeting. This not entirely accurate. The quarrel between Charles and the Admiral happens prior to Charles receiving the letter from Sir Francis Varney, and the midnight meeting, though mentioned in the letter, does not occur until a later chapter. I have modified the list of segments accordingly.
4. According to all the copies I have been able to check, chapter XXX contains the following: THE VISIT OF FLORA TO THE VAMPYRE.—THE OFFER.—THE SOLEMN ASSEVERATION. However, Flora does not visit the vampire. She spends the entire chapter walking in the garden with the Admiral, who makes her a very generous offer, and also makes an asseveration relating to his nephew, so I have removed the reference to Flora and the vampire, who does not feature in the chapter at all.
5. According to all the copies I have been able to check, Varney the Vampire, chapter XXXIII contains the following segments: THE STRANGE INTERVIEW.—THE CHASE THROUGH THE HALL. However, the chapter does not feature either of these things, or any interaction between the characters. After what could be deemed a strange interview in the previous chapter, Varney the vampire takes a walk to the Summerhouse in the grouonds of Bannerworth Hall, where he is suprised to encouter Flora, who is sleepwalking. The chapter ends with Varny advancing on the somnambulistic young lady.
6. According to all the copies I have been able to check, Varney the Vampire, chapter XXXV contains the following segments: THE EXPLANATION | MARCHDALE’S ADVICE | THE PROJECTED REMOVAL, AND THE ADMIRAL’S ANGER. The Admiral does not feature in the chapter, so I have removed the last reference from the segment list because it does not accurately reflect the content of the chapter. The scene with his anger actually occurs in chapter XXXVI.
7. According to all the copies I have been able to check, chapter XXXVI contains the following segments: THE CONSULTATION | THE DUEL AND ITS RESULTS. There is no duel in this chapter, so I have removed the reference to it. I have also added THE PROJECTED REMOVAL, AND THE ADMIRAL’S ANGER. This was wrongly attributed to chapter XXXV. It surely belongs in Chapter XXXVI because the Admiral loses his temper with Mr. Marchdale and throws an inkstand at him.
8. The Project Gutenburg copy of Varney the Vampire, and the many copies based on it, state this chapter contains the following: THE MOB’S ARRIVAL AT SIR FRANCIS VARNEY’S | THE ATTEMPT TO GAIN ADMISSION. The same claim is made for the chapter that follows. It’s true for the coming chapter, but not for this one. I have provided a new description that more accurately indicates the contents of this chapter: A Scene of Terror: The Soldiers’ Discovery | The Confrontation in the Attic.
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