John William Polidori (1795-1821) was a British physician and writer, known for pioneering vampire literature. Born in London, he graduated in medicine from the University of Edinburgh at 19. He became Lord Byron's personal physician and, during their stay at the Villa Diodati, wrote "The Vampyre," one of the first modern vampire stories. This work greatly influenced gothic literature. Despite his talent, Polidori's life was brief and tragic, ending at the age of 25.