A Bloody Tall Tale

To Henry Sturges: Vampire at Large,

I have recently read Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith, in which documented your significant role in helping to train one of America’s greatest presidents to survive and slay vampires. I found it a compelling tale, a wonderful mix of verifiable facts and the before untold involvement of vampires in the shaping of American history. One might say it is in keeping with the American tradition of tall tales, but that is what makes it all the better.

Validity aside, I was particularly struck by your story. How you came the new world, became a vampire, and how you exist guided by your personal moral compass–these are the elements interwoven into the development and rise of Lincoln’s life as a vampire hunter and politician that drew my attention most. According to the novel’s rendition if it were not for your intervention history would be recorded quite differently. In deed, it is only through your involvement that this version can even be told.

Humans have long told tales of vampires. Myths and legends can be found in just about every culture alluding to one kind of vampire or another. It is the nature of these very tales that would allow any real vampires to exist, particularly if these stories were used as a way to disseminate false information of any weaknesses used to prove one a vampire. For example, when Lincoln asks about garlic to which you responded,

I’m afraid it merely makes you easier to perceive from a distance.

This eloquently illustrates how such lore could prove advantageous for vampires.

While this story is primarily about Abraham Lincoln and the coarse of American history during his time with the added layer of vampires I cannot help my interest in the story of Henry Sturges an American vampire. You shared your origin story, but what of the time between then and your meeting Abraham Lincoln? What of your time since? Perhaps it is not everyone who would be interested in these things, but I am. I would enjoy the opportunity to read an expanded edition of your existence.

Sincerely,

Veronica

Dark Jane Austen Book Club

 

P.S. I wasn’t as pleased with your character in the film adaptation. Not because of the actor–Dominic Cooper was superb–but because I personally felt that it was a great deviation from your character in the book. All was different, from your back story to your demeanor. I’m sure this was to better fit the dynamic necessary for appeasing the gore hungry masses, but I felt it lessened your value by altering your role in history.

 

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