It’s that time of year again when we pay homage to the monster that brought vampires to the masses, the Count himself: Dracula.
As you can imagine, Dracula has sparked imaginations countless time since Bram Stoker’s novel was first published in 1897. The number of onscreen adaptations alone could keep you occupied for a lifetime. But today we’re focusing on a few of the products that have made it to market over the years– apologies if you have the sudden urge to start scouring flea markets and online ads…
Dracula Cha-Cha, 1960
The cover art alone makes this album by Bob McFadden worth seeking out…
The Dracula Cookbook, 1978
Featuring “authentic Transylvanian recipes” by Marina Polvay. Not gonna lie– I want a copy.
(Someone posted a few shots of the book on instagram, including a recipe for Veal Roast. Take a look here.)
The Dracula Cookbook of Blood, 1993
If you’re looking for something more along the lines of what Dracula himself would eat, Ardin C. Price’s recipes all feature blood. I wouldn’t say no to this one, either (although I don’t think I’d make any of the recipes.)
(There are also shots of this book on instagram, including a recipe for Totoga– Roasted Pig Organs. Take a look here.)
Genuine Soil from Dracula’s Castle, 1979
One gram of soil in a coffin amulet, and it comes with a certificate of authenticity. Just in case Dracula needs to crash at your place and doesn’t have any native soil on him.
Dracula Statuette, 1930s to 1940s
Commissioned by Bela Lugosi himself to give to friends, it’s rumoured that only 25 were made, and of those only a few are left. Happy hunting!
Dracula: A Toy Theatre, 1979
Based on Edward Gorey’s original designs for the set of the 1977 theatre adaptation of Dracula. An updated version of the toy theatre is still in print.
I Vant to Bite Your Finger: The Dracula Game, 1979
I actually got to play this once when I was a kid, and I’ve got to say it’s pretty fun to get a vampire bite– even if it is only red marker dots on your finger. There are other Dracula games out there, but there might not be any better ones.
Dracula Model Kit, 1962
Made by the Aurora company, these were meant to be assembled and painted. Some people like model planes, some like model monsters.
Dracula Dolls, 1980s to 1990s
These are probably the easiest items to find; it would be fun to collect as many variations as possible.
Do you have any of these? Which would you want to get if you could? Share in the comments…
Cheers,
Aspasía S. Bissas
The Count isn’t the only fanged fiend out there– download my books now and meet some new monsters…
Love Lies Bleeding: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
FREE Blood Magic: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
FREE Tooth & Claw: Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books
If you prefer paperback, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Aspasía S. Bissas 
Good post – Happy World Dracula Day Aspasia
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Thank you 🙂 Same to you, slightly belated!
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Oh, I had such a collection! Much is gone now, but I still have a few beloved pieces. The Edward Gorey Toy Theatre I still have, uncut. I bought it on the day it was released in bookstores. I have the “Genuine Soil” ad but never bought the pendant for some reason. It is likely that I mailed off for it, and it never came. I have copies of several Bob McFadden novelty songs. The Dracula model kit I built and painted [beautifully, thank you ;)] as a teenager. It was badly damaged when my bookcase fell and crushed it… terribly sad. Among my collection now is a Dracula doll and a Vlad Tepes doll on a wooden throne I purchased from Romania, Vlad Tepes 54 mm model soldier on horseback painted in oils, my beloved Dracula bank by Fitz and Floyd, so many things… One day, perhaps, I’ll pull them out and photograph some of them for you.
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Wow– that sounds like an amazing collection! I’d love to see photos, if you’re so inclined. I hope you’ll get a chance to rebuild some of it too ♥
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Thank you! It’s currently packed away in boxes, however, I’m going to be going through everything this summer. It would be my pleasure to show you what I have. 💖
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I’m excited to see it! 🙂
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I have none of these but will keep a sharp eye out for that little porcelain statue!!
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It would be amazing to find one of those! Thanks for reading 🙂
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Wouldn’t it?? and you are very welcome! 🙂
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🙂
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