Comments on: Was Lord Byron England’s 1st Vampire? John Polidori & the Birth of the Literary Bloodsucker

By: Dina

Dina — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:27:09 +0000

Hello!
Thank you for this rich and beautifully written material. I’ve just read Polidori’s The Vampyre having watched Henry Russell’s Gothic and got really interested in the history behind it. And the history is way deeper and darker than I imagined. These people weren’t just making up stories, their lives were literally a gothic novel itself.

By: Kellie

Kellie — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:06:49 +0000

Thank you, David this was a fascinating and wonderfully accessible article. I really enjoyed reading it, and I’m sure I’ll be referring back to it many times. I’m currently researching the “Derby Dracula” and exploring the lineage of the iconic Dracula image we recognise today, particularly how Hamilton Deane transformed Stoker’s folkloric monster into an alluring aristocrat a trajectory that ultimately carries through to Anne Rice’s Lestat

By: Brigitte Eckert

Brigitte Eckert — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 21:21:53 +0000

In reply to Simon. Simon, did you read "The Diary of Dr. John William Polidori 1816"?

By: David Castleton

David Castleton — Mon, 29 May 2023 09:18:14 +0000

In reply to Simon. Hi Simon, thanks for your comment. I'm so glad you enjoyed the article. I can't remember offhand exactly where I read about John's sexuality, but most of the sources I consulted did suggest he was gay or bi and in love with Byron. The idea he might have (also) been in love with Mary makes the whole situation even more intriguing! Many thanks, David.

By: Simon

Simon — Fri, 05 May 2023 11:27:39 +0000

Thank you! Your writing style is very pleasant to read, as is your article!
I am very interested in the life of John Polidori, I even played his role once at university and now I’m dealing with some work related to him and Byron’s company, so yes, every small detail of their past is so important to me and I’m so grateful that such articles exist. All of Polidori’s works are fascinating! And I totally agree with you that all of them had lives as interesting, and as tragic, as the literature they wrote.

But honestly I still wonder why some consider John to be gay or bisexual… Some on the contrary even think that he fell in love with Mary. Do you happen to know where one can find out more about this? Or do you have any thoughts on this? I am interested in the sources of such assertions.
Thank you very much anyway!

By: David Castleton

David Castleton — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 08:10:32 +0000

In reply to Sarah. Thanks, Sarah!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 22:37:49 +0000

Such an interesting article!

By: Richard

Richard — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 04:39:01 +0000

In reply to Emily. Thanks for this interesting and enjoyable portrait of this famous group from villa diodati. You captured the genius and continuance of their lives and art. Great artists influence and inspire each other.

By: Richard

Richard — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 04:38:23 +0000

Thanks for this interesting and enjoyable portrait of this famous group from villa diodati. You captured the genius and continuance of their lives and art. Great artists influence and inspire each other.

By: Emily

Emily — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 03:36:16 +0000

This was such a thorough and interesting read! Many thanks for writing this and sharing all of this knowledge.