John William Polidori
John William Polidori
John William Polidori (pronounced: John Will-ee-am Pol-i-dor-ee) was a notable figure in the medical and literary fields during the 19th century.
Etymology
The name "John" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is gracious". "William" is of Old German origin, meaning "resolute protector". The surname "Polidori" is of Italian origin, though its exact meaning is unknown.
Biography
John William Polidori was born on September 7, 1795, in London, England. He was an English writer and physician, best known for his association with Lord Byron and his novel The Vampyre, which is considered one of the earliest works of vampire fiction.
Polidori received his medical degree from the University of Edinburgh in 1815, where he wrote a thesis on sleepwalking. He later became Lord Byron's personal physician and accompanied him on a trip to Europe. During this trip, Polidori wrote The Vampyre, which was mistakenly attributed to Byron when it was first published.
Polidori's work has had a significant influence on the vampire genre, inspiring later authors such as Bram Stoker, who wrote Dracula. Despite his contributions to literature, Polidori struggled with depression and financial difficulties, and he died by suicide in 1821.
Related Terms
- Vampire: A mythical creature that sustains itself by drinking the blood of the living. Polidori's The Vampyre is one of the earliest examples of vampire fiction.
- Lord Byron: An influential English poet and a leading figure in the Romantic movement. Polidori served as his personal physician.
- University of Edinburgh: A prestigious university in Scotland where Polidori received his medical degree.
- Bram Stoker: An Irish author best known for his novel Dracula. Stoker was influenced by Polidori's The Vampyre.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on John William Polidori
- Wikipedia's article - John William Polidori
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