"Dracula, Prince of Many Faces: His Life and His Times" by Radu R. Florescu and Raymond T. McNally, Back Bay Books, 1989.

Introduction:

Do you ever wonder where the legend of Dracula came from or how Stoker created such a perfect monster? Unbelievably, the fictional character is based off a true person. The history book titled Dracula Prince of Many Faces: His Life and His Times explains the mysterious background of Vlad Tepes Dracul. Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler, Vlad III, Vlad Dracul, Dracula) was the historical person that Stoker based Dracula, his brutal and bloodthirsty character. The authors Radu R. Florescu and Raymond T. McNally capture the ruthlessness and courage that constituted Vlad Tepes’ life. Florescu and McNally were both history professors at Boston College. They have written extensively on Vlad Tepes. This book will open up one’s interest in medieval history, especially in the secluded histories of Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages.  

"The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova, Little Brown and Company, June 2005

Introduction

Historical fiction is an amazing genre blending historical events with fictional characters, plots and motifs. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova can be classified as a historical fiction novel. Ever wonder who Stoker based his infamous Dracula on? Stoker’s Dracula was not created over night out of thin air. Dracula’s creator introduced his astonishing vampire from the historical figure, Vlad Tepes. Kostova blends two electrifying characters, Vlad Tepes and Dracula, into one monster character in her stand-alone novel, The Historian. Kostova’s excellent storytelling will leave you wanting more.

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