Dracula, the blood-thirsty Transylvanian who terrorized England, was a character in an 1897 horror novel. However, the author, Bram Stoker, based his infamous creature on a real-life prince from the 1400s named Vlad III. Though Vlad wasn't a vampire, he was known for some very gory exploits. Legends of vampires stretch back even further than this. Thrilled readers will devour this legend, its possible sources, and details about its contribution to popular culture. Spooky photographs and illustrations set the mood and enhance the spine-tingling text.