Anne Rice ​

Anne Rice (born Howard Allen Frances O'Brien) was an American gothic fiction author, best known for her series of novels, The Vampire Chronicles. Other notable works include The Mayfair Witches series and The Mummy, or Ramses the Damned. Her books have sold nearly 100 million copies, placing her among the most popular authors in recent American history.

Quick Facts ​

• Is known for her gothic fiction works.
• Her novels have sold nearly 100 million copies worldwide.
• Her works have been translated into 28 languages.
• Her Vampire Chronicles series has been adapted into films and a television series.
• She also writes under the pen names A.N. Roquelaure and Anne Rampling.

Background ​

Rice was born on October 4, 1941 in New Orleans, Louisiana, into a Catholic family which was culturally Irish. She was the second of four daughters. Her father was a postal worker and her mother was an alcoholic, who died when Rice was just 14. She received a Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 1964, and a Master's degree in English and Creative Writing in 1972 from San Francisco State University. In 1961, she married poet Stan Rice and they had two children, but sadly one of them died of leukemia at a young age. This tragedy triggered Rice's first novel Interview with a Vampire in 1976 which was a best seller. She is known for her gothic fiction, and her books have sold nearly 100 million copies, making her one of the most popular authors in American history. She died at the age of 80.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Rice's writing often combines elements of gothic fiction, Christian mythology, and eroticism, creating a unique blend that has made her a popular author in multiple genres. Her novels are known for their richly detailed settings and intricate plots. Her exploration of philosophical and religious themes in her work, particularly in her Vampire Chronicles series, has made her a significant figure in popular culture. Rice's work has had a profound influence on modern vampire literature and has helped shape the genre’s current trends.

Notable Works ​

• Interview with the Vampire (1976)
• The Vampire Lestat (1985)
• The Queen of the Damned (1988)
• The Tale of the Body Thief (1992)
• The Vampire Armand (1998)
• Blood and Gold (2001)
• The Feast of All Saints (1979)
• Servant of the Bones (1996)