Robert Eighteen-Bisang (1947–September 29, 2020) was a Canadian author and academic recognized as one of the leading experts in vampire literature and mythology.
Born: 1947, Brantford, Ontario, Canada, Died: September 29, 2020. Other names: Robert Eighteen-Bisang
Alma mater: University of British Columbia Occupation(s): Writer, scholar Known for: Writing, book collecting, bibliographic research, Transylvania Press Notable work: Bram Stoker’s Notes for Dracula Partner: Matilda Bisang (1972 – his death)
Awards: The Lord Ruthven Award in 2009 publication, Bram Stoker’s Notes for Dracula: A Facsimile Edition, co-authored with Elizabeth Miller, received the Lord Ruthven Award. The “Ruthven,” as it is commonly referred to, is presented annually for the most exceptional work in vampire fiction or scholarship.
Other works by Eighteen-Bisang include Vampire Stories, which features vampire tales by Arthur Conan Doyle: The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire, The Captain of the Polestar, John Barrington Cowles, and The Parasite, along with The Adventure of the Illustrious Client— Eighteen-Bisang asserted that this story is a rationalized interpretation of Dracula—and four additional stories with loose connections to vampires. Publishers Weekly described the book as “a stretch” and suggested it is something “only completionists are likely to add to their collections.”
Personal Life: Eighteen-Bisang was raised in Toronto, Ontario, as the child of a professional poker player. During his university years, he participated in backgammon and secured four championships. Eighteen-Bisang aimed to become a university professor but was dissuaded from this path by his own professors, who believed the role would be overly confining for him. Following a career in marketing, Eighteen-Bisang developed an interest in vampire literature, leading him to engage in research, collection, and writing. As an adult, he continued to compete in backgammon tournaments and was affiliated with the Vancouver Backgammon Club.
Eighteen-Bisang has accumulated the most extensive collection of vampiric literature globally, which he maintains at his private residence. This collection comprises approximately 2,500 books, 2,000 comic books, 1,000 magazines, and over 100 films, including a first edition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Academic involvement: Eighteen-Bisang is recognized for demonstrating that the novel Dracula is inspired by the notorious serial killer Jack the Ripper. He also refuted the common belief that Bram Stoker modeled his legendary character Dracula after Vlad the Impaler. He has been invited to present lectures on vampires in cities such as Dallas, London, Los Angeles, Toronto, Vancouver, and Victoria. In 1997, he served as the guest of honor at Dracula ’97 in Los Angeles.
As an author, Eighteen-Bisang was affiliated with the American chapter of the Transylvanian Society of Dracula, presided over by J. Gordon, and was also a member of the Canadian Academy of Independent Scholars. He established Transylvania Press, a publishing house dedicated to producing “high-quality vampiriana for collectors, libraries, and enthusiasts.” Bram Stoker’s Notes for Dracula: A Facsimile Edition by Bram Stoker, Eighteen-Bisang, and Elizabeth
As editor: Vampire Stories Written by Arthur Conan, “Vintage Vampire Stories”, co-edited with Richard Dalby
Referenced in: Best New Horror, Bram Stoker’s Dracula: A Documentary Volume by Elizabeth Bram Stoker’s Notes for Dracula: An Annotated Transcription and Comprehensive Analysis by Michael Barsanti, Eighteen-Bisang, and Elizabeth Dracula in Visual Media: Film, Television, Comic Book, and Electronic Game Appearances, 1921-2010 by John Edgar Browning and Caroline Joan (Kay) The Complete Vampire Companion by Rosemary Guiley and J.B. The New Annotated Dracula by Bram Stoker Pulse of Darkness by Christopher Sequeira and Kurt Stone The Soul of an Angel by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, University Affairs Young Lusty Sluts by Michael Goss