Was there a historical figure behind Bram Stoker's Dracula?

Although he never traveled to Romania, Stoker crammed his book with descriptions of many real locations that can still be visited in present-day Romania. They include .... However, on the other hand, Vlad Tepes (Dracula), the historical figure who inspired Bram Stoker's novel, is definitely less well-known. read more

Stoker did a lot of research about Transylvania and the area's history, but the above website challenges the idea that Stoker based his eponymous character on Vlad Tepes. Stoker's journal and notes have been recovered and apparently there's nothing in there that supports a close connection other than they were both noblemen from the same region who fought the Turks. read more

Regardless of the true history of Dracula, the creation of Bram Stoker’s novel could not be confined to the printed page. The 1922 silent film “Nosferatu” stole much of its plot from Stoker’s book. So much of the plot, in fact, that Bram Stoker’s widow won a lawsuit against the makers of the film. read more