Sheridan Le Fanu was an Irish writer and one of the most influential figures in Gothic and supernatural fiction. Born in Dublin in 1814, he became known for his mastery of atmosphere, psychological unease and slow-burn horror, helping to shape the modern ghost story.
Le Fanu’s work often explored themes of repression, guilt and the uncanny, blending folklore with emerging Victorian anxieties. His most famous works include Carmilla, a seminal vampire novella that predated Dracula and had a lasting impact on horror literature, and the story collection In a Glass Darkly.
Though widely read in his lifetime, Le Fanu’s legacy has only grown, with his fiction recognised as a cornerstone of classic horror and Gothic storytelling, influencing generations of writers who followed.
