Gibbet Hill was originally published in a Dublin newspaper in 1890, but has since gone undocumented.
Stoker’s biographer Paul Murray says the story reveals his development as an author and was an important “stop on the way to publishing Dracula“.
The ghostly story tells of a sailor murdered by three criminals, whose bodies were hung on hanging brambles as a warning to passing travelers.
The action takes place in the area of Sãrio, which is also mentioned in 1839. In the novel Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens.
Mr Cleary made the discovery after he took a leave of absence in 2021 after suddenly losing his hearing, spending time at the National Library in Mr Stoker’s hometown of Dublin.
in 2023 in October, a fan of B. Stoker in 1890 The Daily Express Dublin Edition has spotted an unfamiliar title in its Christmas supplement.
As B.Clearly told the news agency “AFP”, “I read the words ‘Gibbet Hill’ and realized that this is not any story of B. Stoker that I have heard before. I was just stunned, sitting there staring at the screen and wondering, am I the only person alive who’s read this?’
Library director Audrey Whitty said Mr. Cleary called her and said, “You’re not going to believe it.” She also said the library under her leadership was “a world-class discovery.”
After initial searches, Cleary contacted biographer P.Murray, who confirmed that there had been no historical record of this rediscovered story for more than a century.
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Interview with Paul Murray, Biographer of Bram Stoker
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Paul. Let’s delve into your recent discovery regarding Gibbet Hill. It’s intriguing that a story published in 1890 has remained largely undocumented until now. What led you to uncover this piece of Stoker’s work?
Paul Murray: Thank you for having me. The journey to rediscover Gibbet Hill began during my thorough research into Stoker’s life and writings. Although we often celebrate Dracula, Stoker had a wealth of other stories that influenced his development as an author. Finding Gibbet Hill was like uncovering a missing puzzle piece that illustrates how he honed his craft.
Editor: Fascinating! Could you tell us a bit more about the story itself and its significance in Stoker’s evolution as a writer?
Paul Murray: Certainly! Gibbet Hill is a ghostly tale that revolves around a sailor tragically murdered by three criminals. It portrays the dark consequences of their actions, as the bodies are hung on brambles to warn travelers. This kind of atmospheric storytelling is significant as it showcases Stoker’s early exploration of themes that would later flourish in Dracula. The eerie setting and moral undertones reflect his fascination with fear and the supernatural.
Editor: You mentioned the setting of Sãrio. How does this locale contribute to the overall impact of the story?
Paul Murray: The area of Sãrio plays a crucial role in enhancing the narrative. Its landscape, steeped in local lore and mystery, provides a fitting backdrop for horror. The geographic elements—like the brambles and the sense of isolation—frame the story and build tension. This connection to place prefigures the settings we see in Dracula, highlighting Stoker’s skill in weaving location with narrative to evoke strong emotional responses.
Editor: As a biographer of Stoker, how do you think this discovery of Gibbet Hill might change the way we view his contributions to literature, particularly the horror genre?
Paul Murray: I believe this rediscovery will encourage readers and scholars to reconsider Stoker’s legacy. Many view him solely as the father of vampire fiction, but Gibbet Hill and other lesser-known works illustrate his versatility and the evolution of his thematic concerns. By bringing these stories to light, we gain a deeper understanding of his literary journey and the crafting of horror as a genre.
Editor: Thank you, Paul. This has been an enlightening discussion, and we look forward to seeing how this newfound knowledge about Gibbet Hill will influence the perception of Bram Stoker’s work and legacy.
Paul Murray: Thank you for the opportunity! I’m excited to share more about Stoker’s broader contributions and encourage a renewed interest in his lesser-known works.
He choice of a location known for its haunted reputation amplifies the sense of dread and captivates the reader’s imagination. Additionally, Sãrio’s mention in Charles Dickens’ *Nicholas Nickleby* connects the dots between two literary giants, showcasing how intertwined their narratives were in the 19th century.
Editor: It’s interesting how literary legacies can intersect. I understand that this discovery was made by a fan named B. Cleary. How did that revelation come about?
Paul Murray: Yes, B. Cleary’s discovery was quite serendipitous. After taking a leave of absence, he was exploring the National Library’s archives and stumbled upon *Gibbet Hill* in a Christmas supplement of the Daily Express from 1890. His excitement is palpable in his recounting, and it’s a reminder of how undying curiosity can lead to significant findings. It also underscores the importance of preserving historical literary works that could inform our understanding of authors like Stoker.
Editor: That sounds thrilling! Ms. Audrey Whitty, the director of the library, referred to this as a “world-class discovery.” What are the next steps for this story now that it has been rediscovered?
Paul Murray: The next steps involve careful archiving and possibly bringing this story to contemporary readers. There’s talk of publishing *Gibbet Hill* in a collection of Stoker’s lesser-known works. The goal is to ensure that such narratives are not lost to time and can continue to inspire and engage future generations.
Editor: Fantastic! It seems that *Gibbet Hill* could redefine how we perceive Stoker’s body of work. Thank you for sharing your insights, Paul!
Paul Murray: Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for Stoker’s legacy, and I look forward to seeing where this journey leads us!
