Summary : Dracula

This text contains the front matter and licensing information for the Project Gutenberg digital edition of the novel Dracula. It outlines the terms of use, noting that the electronic book is available at no cost and with minimal restrictions for readers within the United States and various other international locations. Users outside the USA are reminded to verify the local laws of their respective countries before reusing or distributing the text. The front matter also provides publication data, identifying Bram Stoker as the author and listing the release and update dates provided by Project Gutenberg. It acknowledges the contributors involved in preparing the digital edition and includes original publication notices from Grosset and Dunlap publishers, referencing the copyright registered by Bram Stoker in eighteen ninety-seven.

Jonathan Harker travels by train from Munich through Vienna and Budapest toward Transylvania, noting the shift from Western comforts into a wilder eastern landscape steeped in local traditions and superstitions. Along the way, he records his observations of the varied nationalities, including Saxons, Magyars, Szekelys, and Slovaks, while tasting national dishes like paprika hendl and mamaliga. After arriving at Bistritz and staying at the Golden Krone Hotel, he receives a welcoming letter from Count Dracula containing detailed instructions for his final journey. Despite the warnings and mounting dread of the innkeeper and his wife on the eve of Saint George's Day, Harker presses on with his mission aboard a mountain coach. As the vehicle traverses the rugged landscape of the Borgo Pass amidst falling snow and deepening twilight, fearful passengers offer him protective charms and cross themselves against evil. The public anxiety culminates when they are met by a swift, mysterious calèche driven by a tall, striking stranger with glowing red eyes. Harker transfers to the stranger's carriage and is driven rapidly through the dark, winding mountain passes while wolves howl menacingly in the surrounding gloom. During the journey, the silent driver periodically investigates mysterious blue flames while the terrified horses are encircled by a pack of hungry wolves. When the driver finally commands the beasts to retreat with an imperious sweep of his arms, the tension remains high as the carriage approaches its destination.

Jonathan Harker arrives at a remote Carpathian castle and is welcomed by the pale, immensely strong Count Dracula, who insists on serving him supper and discussing his new London estate. During their conversation, Harker observes the Count's sharp teeth, pointed ears, and peculiar physical traits while feeling an inexplicable sense of physical nausea. Over the following days, Harker explores the locked castle, noting the total absence of mirrors, servants, and reflections of any kind. The Count spends hours questioning Harker about English customs and reviewing the deeds for Carfax, an ancient estate in Purfleet featuring a ruined chapel and thick stone walls. While discussing local history and the folklore surrounding hidden treasures marked by blue flames on St George’s night, the Count expresses his desire to blend in seamlessly in London. Harker grows increasingly uneasy as he realizes there are no exits from the upper levels and that he is entirely alone in the vast fortress. The mounting tension reaches a breaking point when Harker cuts his chin while shaving and notices that the Count casts no reflection whatsoever in the mirror. Flying into a demoniac fury at the sight of the blood, the Count lunges at Harker's throat before instantly recoiling when his hand brushes against the crucifix around Harker's neck. Seizing the small shaving glass, the Count hurls it out of the high window to shatter on the stones far below and withdraws without another word. Exploring further, Harker discovers that every interior door is locked and bolted, leading him to the terrifying realization that the ancient castle is a veritable prison and he is trapped inside.