Carmilla: Book Guide, Author and Facts
Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu — plot, author, genre and where to read, in one evergreen guide.

First published as a serial in The Dark Blue (1871–72), Carmilla is narrated by a young woman preyed upon by a female vampire named Carmilla, later revealed to be Mircalla, Countess Karnstein (Carmilla is an anagram of Mircalla). The character is a prototypical example of the lesbian vampire, expressing romantic desires toward the protagonist. The novella notably never acknowledges homosexuality as an antagonistic trait, leaving it subtle and morally ambiguous. The story is often anthologised, and has been adapted many times in film and other media.
Quick facts about Carmilla
- Title: Carmilla
- Author: Sheridan Le Fanu
- First published: 1871
- Genre: english fantasy fiction, fantasy fiction, english, fiction
- OpenLibrary ID: OL2895536W
Where to read Carmilla
Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu is widely available in print, ebook and audiobook editions from major retailers and libraries.
Compiled from public OpenLibrary data. Availability and details can change over time.
Frequently asked questions
What is Carmilla about?
First published as a serial in The Dark Blue (1871–72), *Carmilla* is narrated by a young woman preyed upon by a female vampire named Carmilla, later revealed to be Mircalla, Countess Karnstein (Carmilla is an anagram of Mircalla).
Who wrote Carmilla?
Carmilla was written by Sheridan Le Fanu.
When was Carmilla published?
Carmilla was first published in 1871.



