J. Sheridan Le Fanu

Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu was a prominent Irish author of Gothic and mystery fiction in the 19th century.

He is considered a pioneer in ghost story writing and significantly influenced the Victorian horror genre.

Le Fanu's most famous works include Uncle Silas, Carmilla, and The House by the Churchyard.

His writing style is characterized by atmospheric tension and psychological depth.

Le Fanu's impact on the genre was substantial, with M.R. James declaring him "absolutely in the first rank as a writer of ghost stories." His novel Carmilla, published 26 years before Dracula, is particularly noted for its innovative approach to vampire lore and its exploration of themes that were controversial for its time.