What was the first novel published in Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles?

The Vampire Chronicles is a series of novels by Anne Rice that revolves around the fictional character Lestat de Lioncourt, a French nobleman turned into a vampire in the 18th century. The debut Gothic horror novel, Interview With The Vampire, was American author Anne Rice's first vampire novel. It was based upon a short story. Ultimately, Rice was able to finish the book around 1973. This novel is about the vampire, Louis de Pointe du Lac, who tells the story of his life to a reporter.

The original manuscript for Interview With The Vampire was quite different than the final published 1976 version. After the rights had been sold to Knopf, Anne rewrote the book, adding the entire Theater of the Vampires section and bringing Lestat back after his supposed death by fire.

Rice composed this novel shortly after the death of her young daughter Michelle, who served as an inspiration for the child-vampire character Claudia. Initially, Rice's first book and subject matter received mixed critical reviews; but, the book was followed by a large number of widely popular sequels, collectively known as The Vampire Chronicles.

The Vampire Chronicles have sold over 80 million copies worldwide.