This is an excellent collection of traditional vampire tales that shows the origins of the genre in the early years of the Victorian era culminating in an omitted chapter from the landmark vampire novel by Bram Stoker. Before each story Sims provides a short bio of the author and the story setting the scene and timing for each. Each story has its own unique style both in writing and in character and shows a different aspect of vampire story telling that far exceeds the styles that dominate the genre today. These stories create their own sense of forboding, giving the reader chills at each turn of the page without the need for gore or all out action. This collection is a must for true vampire and Victorian horror fans.