Bram Stoker’s Dracula is possibly one of the most famous vampire stories. But did you know that there was a short story about a Black vampire published decades before Bram Stoker stepped into the vampire world?
Published in 1819, seventy-eight years before Dracula, The Black Vampyre: A Legend of St.Domingo was written by Uriah Derick D’Arcy, a name which is actually a pseudonym. The identity of the real author is unknown but largely debated. However, not only is this short story believed to be the first to center a Black vampire, but it also focuses on the slave trade.
The story follows an enslaved man who was killed by his enslaver. His resurrection as a vampire led to him seeking revenge against his enslaver and his family. It is believed the author was inspired by the events that led to the Haitian Revolution.
Although the short story came at a time when many Gothic books were in the works, The Black Vampyre is one which many people are not aware of. Despite this, during the time of its publication it was a very unique story combining horror, race and anti-slavery sentiment.
The way the short story was received during its publication is unknown. However, as the anti-slavery and gothic literature movements grew in America, it is easy to see how it would have at least piqued the interest of readers. Despite being the first Black (American) vampire story, there appears to be little analysis or general information available. Some people state that the storyline is showcasing the revolt against capitalism and others state the story is more about humans than it is of monsters (like many other Gothic novels). Current reviews of the short story are a mix of praise and criticism. The studies that are available are really interesting to read.
Although it has not reached the same status as Dracula, The Black Vampyre has a fascinating history and was one of the first stories to feature a Black vampire within the Western world, making it an important Gothic story.
References:
Hidden History by Eesha 
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