The Truth About Dracula
Review by A Fiend, submitted on 7-Jan-2002

This book examines the vampire and Dracula myths of central Europe in light of religious and political factors that may have assisted the spread of the myth and have contributed to its continued popularity.

The author's central hypothesis is that the schism between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches played a role in the spread and evolution of the vampire myth in the late Renaissance and early modern periods.

The book includes relatively good discussions about the nature of the vampire in different parts of Europe and the methods used by the local populace to deal with the menace. Long sections are devoted to the historical Dracula and the Countess Elizabeth Nadasdy nee Bathory.

The final chapters discuss the role of the vampire and Dracula myths in 20th century political ideology and propaganda.

Ronay, Gabriel, _The Truth About Dracula_, (c) 1972 by Ronay Gabriel as _The Dracula Myth_, Stein and Day/Publishers, Scarborough House, Briarcliff Manor, New York 10510, 1974.