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 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. At the end of each chapter there is a shortlist for further reading. At the end of the book there is a comprehensive bibliography.
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