A Lost Story by Bram Stoker Unearthed in Dublin
A recently discovered short story by Bram Stoker, the renowned author of “Dracula,” has been found by a dedicated enthusiast in Dublin. Brian Cleary stumbled upon the work while exploring a library archive in the Irish capital.
The story, titled “Gibbet Hill,” was uncovered in a Christmas supplement of the Dublin edition of the Daily Mail newspaper from 1890. Surprisingly, this story had remained undocumented for over 130 years.
The rare find, never before mentioned in any Stoker bibliography or biography, is now being revealed to the public for the first time at an exhibition in Dublin.
Although “Dracula” is set in Transylvania and England, its author, Stoker, hails from Dublin. Brian Cleary, a writer and amateur historian living in Dublin, expressed his admiration for Stoker’s work and its impact on popular culture.
Cleary’s journey of discovery began in 2021 when he experienced sudden deafness and visited the National Library of Ireland during his leave. In October 2023, he stumbled upon the hidden gem, “Gibbet Hill,” a lost ghost story by Stoker.
After verifying his find through literary searches and consulting Stoker expert Paul Murray, Cleary confirmed the significance of “Gibbet Hill” in Stoker’s development as a writer.
The macabre tale recounts the story of a sailor murdered by criminals, whose bodies were displayed on a gibbet on a hill as a warning to travelers. To celebrate the discovery, the story has been captured in a book featuring illustrations by Irish artist Paul McKinley.
“Gibbet Hill” offers a glimpse into Stoker’s early writing and the themes that later manifested in “Dracula.” The illustrations by McKinley add a new dimension to this long-buried story, bringing it to life for modern audiences.
(This article is based on a syndicated feed and has not been edited by NDTV staff.)
