Legends of Dracula (Biography (Lerner Hardcover))

Also known as Vlad the Impaler, Prince Dracula ruled near Transylvania more than 500 years ago and was notorious throughout Europe as a fierce tyrant who tortured and murdered many people. When writer Bram Stoker combined Dracula's blood-thirsty reputation with popular vampire folklore, the literary character Count Dracula was born. With his sharp teeth, pale skin, and staring eyes, he continues to rule the world of horror today. Author Tom Streissguth tells the chilling tale of the real-life Prince Dracula, relates vampire legends, and shows how these stories--as well as Bela Lugosi's definitive film portrayal of Dracula--have created one of the most terrifying figures of popular culture. Dracula and other tales of vampires returning from the dead to drink the blood of the living have haunted the world for centuries. But unlike many of the old superstitions, the legend of Dracula isn't just another scary story.