Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (1814–1873) was an Irish writer best known for his contributions to the Gothic horror genre. Born in Dublin to a literary family, Le Fanu displayed an early interest in the world of prose and poetry. His education at Trinity College, Dublin, equipped him with a solid grounding in classics and law, but it was the world of letters that would become his true calling. Le Fanu's work is typified by its chilling atmosphere, supernatural themes, and intricately woven narratives, qualities that are exemplified in his lesser-known novel 'Ultor de Lacy: A Legend of Cappercullen,' among other writings. His oeuvre also includes the famed 'Carmilla,' a vampire tale that predates Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' and undoubtedly influenced it. Another significant work, 'Uncle Silas,' is a darkly psychological novel that deftly uses the tropes of the locked-room mystery within a Gothic setting. His literary style is noted for its detail-orientated description that often serves to render the mundane world with an air of eerie uncanniness. Scholars praise Le Fanu for his pioneering role in shaping the ghost story genre during the Victorian period. His works remain influential, continuing to haunt and entertain readers well beyond the centenary of his passing.