Using question/answer format, the book covers: the origins of the vampire myth; the life of Bram Stoker, author of Dracula (1897); the novel, its genesis and sources; the historical figure (Vlad the Impaler) whose nickname Stoker borrowed for his Count; an examination of the connection between Vlad and Count Dracula; the impact the novel has had since its publication; and an overview of interpretations of the book. Included is a reading list. Some questions answered in the book: What are the roots of vampire lore? How did vampires move from folklore to literature? What do we know about the actual writing of Dracula? Where did Bram Stoker find his information about vampires? Are there any autobiographical elements in Dracula? Did Dracula originate in a nightmare? What do we know of the relationship between Stoker and his wife? Did Stoker die of syphilis? How did Count Dracula become a vampire? Does Count Dracula have any redeeming qualities? How was the novel Dracula received when published in 1897? What did Stoker himself say about the novel? Why did Stoker name his vampire "Dracula"? Why did he select Transylvania as the vampire's homeland? How much did Stoker really know about Vlad the Impaler? Was Vlad ever associated with vampire legends? What are our main sources of information about Vlad? Why do many Romanians consider Vlad to be a national hero? Which of the Dracula movies is the best adaptation of Stoker's novel? What impact has Dracula had on subsequent vampire fiction? Why does Count Dracula have such enduring appeal? How do Romanians feel about Dracula tourism in their country? Is there a real Castle Dracula? What are some of the interpretations of Dracula? Is Dracula a classic? And many, many more! Depending on the complexity of the questions, the answers range from 5-6 lines to several pages. -- from publisher description.

A DRACULA HANDBOOK A Dracula Handbook provides succinct and accurate information about Dracula. Written for a general readership, the book should appeal to aficionados, students and the just-plain-curious. Using question/answer format, the book covers a range of topics: the origins of the vampire myth; the life of Bram Stoker, author of Dracula (1897); the novel, its genesis and sources; the historical figure (Vlad the Impaler) whose nickname Stoker borrowed for his Count; an examination of the connection between Vlad and Count Dracula; the phenomenal impact the novel has had since its publication; and an overview of interpretations of the book. Also included is a comprehensive reading list. Here are some of the many questions that are directly answered in the book: What are the roots of vampire lore? How did vampires move from folklore to literature? What do we know about the actual writing of Dracula? Where did Bram Stoker find his information about vampires? Are there any autobiographical elements in Dracula? Did Dracula originate in a nightmare? What do we know of the relationship between Stoker and his wife? Did Stoker die of syphilis? How did Count Dracula become a vampire? Does Count Dracula have any redeeming qualities? How was the novel Dracula received when published in 1897? What did Stoker himself say about the novel? Why did Stoker name his vampire Dracula? Why did he select Transylvania as the vampires homeland? How much did Stoker really know about Vlad the Impaler? Was Vlad ever associated with vampire legends? What are our main sources of information about Vlad? Why do many Romanians consider Vlad to be a national hero? Which of the Dracula movies is the best adaptation of Stokers novel? What impact has Dracula had on subsequent vampire fiction? Why does Count Dracula have such enduring appeal? How do Romanians feel about Dracula tourism in their country? Is there a real Castle Dracula? What are some of the interpretations of Dracula? Is Dracula a classic? And many, many more! Depending on the complexity of the questions, the answers range from 5-6 lines to several pages. At the end of each chapter there is a shortlist for further reading. At the end of the book there is a comprehensive Bibliography.

The Ultimate Collection of Vampire Facts and Fiction From Vlad the Impaler to Barnabas Collins to Edward Cullen to Dracula and Bill Compton, renowned religion expert and fearless vampire authority J. Gordon Melton, PhD takes the reader on a vast, alphabetic tour of the psychosexual, macabre world of the blood-sucking undead. Digging deep into the lore, myths, pop culture, and reported realities of vampires and vampire legends from across the globe, The Vampire Book: The Encyclopedia of the Undead exposes everything about the blood thirsty predator. Death and immortality, sexual prowess and surrender, intimacy and alienation, rebellion and temptation. The allure of the vampire is eternal, and The Vampire Book explores it all. The historical, literary, mythological, biographical, and popular aspects of one of the world's most mesmerizing paranormal subject. This vast reference is an alphabetical tour of the psychosexual, macabre world of the soul-sucking undead. In the first fully revised and updated edition in a decade, Dr. J. Gordon Melton (president of the American chapter of the Transylvania Society of Dracula) bites even deeper into vampire lore, myths, reported realities, and legends that come from all around the world. From Transylvania to plague-infested Europe to Nostradamus and from modern literature to movies and TV series, this exhaustive guide furnishes more than 500 essays to quench your thirst for facts, biographies, definitions, and more.

Being turned into a vampire is the easy part. Actually becoming a vampire is far more difficult. In today’s world of vampire-obsessed pop culture, misinformation abounds. A newly turned vampire who looks to movies and novels for answers to everlasting life’s questions will inevitably be reduced to a smoldering pile of dust. So whom can you, a neophyte immortal, trust to provide reliable information and proven strategies for leading your best and bloodiest existence? The Vampire Miles Proctor, editor of The New Vampire’s Handbook. In this definitive guide, the newly turned will find • a head-to-toe look at your vampiric body: how to harness your new powers to dispatch mortal enemies, maintain your fangs, and embrace your vampirosexuality • methods for luring prey, faking your way through meals, approaching other vampires, and creating a four-hundred-year financial plan • tips on acting your “age,” behaving appropriately if you see a human you knew decades ago, and dealing with epic vampire feuds • essential advice for blending in with the masses, from finding a coven to avoiding the media (and mirrors) to staying on top of the latest fashion trends • the joy of scrapbooking Plus helpful online resources, a glyph guide, renovation instructions for emergency lairs, a Ruling Families directory, nightly mantras, and personal anecdotes from The Vampire Miles Proctor’s nearly five hundred years of experience. Welcome to the night.

• An affordable, accessible companion to vampire literature, films, and TV • Several vampire movies are due out in 2008 and 2009: Twilight, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, and The Historian • Vampire communities are flourishing on the Internet—a simple “vampire societies” search on Google yields over 580,000 results • Everything reference books have sold more than 575,000 copies! Bram Stoker’s Dracula Anne Rice’s Lestat Stephenie Meyer’s Edward Who can resist these erotic, exotic creatures of the night? And who wants to? In The Everything® Vampire Book, readers unearth all the secrets of this beautiful, terrible underworld, including: • How vampires live, hunt, and endure • Why they refuse to die • How to destroy a vampire—from holy water to decapitation • The best—and worst—vampire books, TV shows, and films • What constitutes the “vampire lifestyle” and blood fetish practices • All the incarnations of vampires—from the Greek Lamia to the Indian Churel • Real-life encounters with vampires Vampire aficionados will enjoy sinking their teeth into the notorious history and bewitching tales in The Everything® Vampire Book!

The brand new "Rough Guide to Romania" is the definitive handbook to one of Europe's most fascinating, scenic and least discovered countries. The full-colour introduction highlights all the 'things not to miss', from the wilds of the Carpathian mountains to the marvellous Delta wetlands, as well as the country's many unique festivals. Two full-colour sections describe the myriad outdoor activities available - from mountain hikes and skiing, to bear and wolf tracking - and the country's extraordinary religious architecture. The guide reviews all the top hotel and restaurant options to suit every taste and budget and the 'Author's Pick' feature highlights the very best, while there are concise maps and plans throughout.The contexts section includes informed background on Romania's history, wildlife, literature, music and, of course, Dracula.

The Gothic began as a designation for barbarian tribes, was associated with the cathedrals of the High Middle Ages, was used to describe a marginalized literature in the late eighteenth century, and continues today in a variety of forms (literature, film, graphic novel, video games, and other narrative and artistic forms). Unlike other recent books in the field that focus on certain aspects of the Gothic, this work directs researchers to seminal and significant resources on all of its aspects. Annotations will help researchers determine what materials best suit their needs. A Research Guide to Gothic Literature in English covers Gothic cultural artifacts such as literature, film, graphic novels, and videogames. This authoritative guide equips researchers with valuable recent information about noteworthy resources that they can use to study the Gothic effectively and thoroughly.

The Rough Guide to Romania is the definitive guidebook to one of Europe's most fascinating, scenic, and enigmatic countries. A full-color introduction highlights all the must-see sights, from the wilds of the Carpathian mountains to the marvelous Delta wetlands, and references the country's many unique festivals. Two full-color sections describe the country's extraordinary religious architecture and its many outdoor activities-from mountain hikes and skiing to bear and wolf tracking. This comprehensive guide includes informed background on Romania's history, wildlife, literature, music, and, of course, Dracula. Reviews of top hotel and restaurant options cover every taste and budget. Accurate maps and comprehensive practical information help you get under the skin of Romania, while stunning photography makes this your ultimate traveling companion. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to Romania.

World-renowned 'tell it like it is' guidebook Discover Romania with this comprehensive, entertaining, 'tell it like it is' Rough Guide, packed with comprehensive practical information and our experts' honest and independent recommendations. Whether you plan to explore the discover the great outdoors, wander the streets of Bucharest or visit Dracula country, The Rough Guide to Romania will help you discover the best places to explore, sleep, eat, drink and shop along the way. Features of The Rough Guide to Romania: - Detailed regional coverage: provides in-depth practical information for each step of all kinds of trip, from intrepid off-the-beaten-track adventures, to chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas. Regions covered include: Bucharest, Cluj, Bran, Sibiu, Brasov, Transylvania and more. - Honest independent reviews: written with Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, and recommendations you can truly trust, our writers will help you get the most from your trip toRomania. - Meticulous mapping: always full-colour, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys. Find your way around Bucharest, Cluj, Sibiu, Brasovand many more locations without needing to get online. - Fabulous full-colour photography: features a richness of inspirational colour photography, including vibrant Bucharestand stunning Cluj. - Things not to miss: Rough Guides' rundown of Bucharest, Wallachia, Moldavia, Transylvania and the Danube Delta's best sights and top experiences. - Itineraries: carefully planned routes will help you organise your trip, and inspire and inform your on-the-road experiences. - Basics section: packed with essential pre-departure information including getting there, getting around, accommodation, food and drink, health, the media, festivals, sports and outdoor activities, culture and etiquette, shopping and more. - Background information: comprehensive Contexts chapter provides fascinating insights into Romania, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary. - Covers: Bucharest, Moldavia, Wallachia, Transylvania and the Danube Delate About Rough Guides: Rough Guides have been inspiring travellers for over 35 years, with over 30 million copies sold globally. Synonymous with practical travel tips, quality writing and a trustworthy 'tell it like it is' ethos, the Rough Guides list includes more than 260 travel guides to 120+ destinations, gift-books and phrasebooks.