Vlad the Impaler

A Life from Beginning to End

De: Hourly History

Narrado por: Stephen Floyd

The character of Count Dracula is well-known throughout the world. He is a dark, seductive, pale man wearing a cape. His gaze is quite literally captivating, and he has the strength of ten men.

The story, written by Bram Stoker in 1897, has been retold hundreds of times, but is there a historical figure upon whom the character is based? Is there really a Dracula? Many scholars argue that Vlad III Dracula, also known as Vlad the Impaler, is the real Dracula. He was known in Western Europe for his cruelty, most especially his penchant for impaling his victims. He is said to have killed somewhere between 40,000 and 100,000 people during his crusade to stop the Ottoman Empire from expanding into Eastern Europe.

He was equally harsh on the people he ruled and is said to have taken great pleasure in torturing his victims. Inside you will read about:

• Vlad’s early life and family
• Rise to power: Vlad’s first reign
• War with the Ottomans: Vlad’s main reign
• Vlad’s imprisonment, third reign, and death
• Vlad Dracula’s legacy
• Vlad the Impaler in fiction: Count Dracula

His story, however, is much more complicated than the oft-reported details of his atrocities would imply. He lived in a time of conflict where many were equally as cruel, and he is viewed as a hero in Romania where he is remembered as a protector of his people. This audiobook tells the story of his life and times and discusses his connection to the fictional Count Dracula in a succinct, compelling manner, which makes for an entertaining listen packed with historical information.

©2016 Hourly History (P)2017 Hourly History

Really Interesting and Educational - Narration Sometimes Too Rapid

In the end this is an excellent, concise work. It is very complicated with a lot of information and names. Sometimes the narration was too rapid. However I was able to repaid all of this.

First, I used a Kindle printed copy in order to keep track of the actual names and locations. Second, I was able to intermittently slow the narration speed on my device in order to be able to keep up with the deluge of information.

In summary, this is excellent, compact and jam packed with information. I would not have been able to fully enjoy this work without my Kindle printed copy. Thank You...

Nice

I have heard for sometime of Vlad's influence on Stoker's tale. Yet, I find that like most things in modern research the proper opinion reigns supreme. Vlad's story requires further study to fully understand his influence on military tactics. However, as far him being the inspiration for Dracula, I'm not convinced. I'm feeling a trip to the archives are in order.

Redundant and poorly narrated

Man I love hourly history but this one could have been one chapter. In fact I think the first and last chapters may actually be the same exact reading.

so poorly narrated

Stephen narrated like he was in a terrible rush , to bad !because it is a good story and pretty accurate! I am from Romania and grew up with it.

simply horrifying

sturggled to finish this awful tale. far too graphic for my taste or stomach. would not recommend.