The Scariest Places on Earth

The Scariest Places on Earth: Transylvania by Denny Von Finn                     Hardback Book: 24 pages                 

Dark and cold and bats all over!  That is how this book begins under a full moon to draw the reader in with  a map of the eastern European country of Romania within which is the area known as Transylvania.   The book mentions that Romania/Transylvania is not the only region known for vampires.  Vampire stories are told in Mexico, Melaysia, China and elsewhere.   The book mentions, author Bram Stoker and how he may have based his verion of the vampire and Dracula stories on the real person, Peter Plogojowich, who died in 1725.  Several days after Plogojowich’s death, there were a number of local attacks with victims claiming Plogojowich hurt them.  Long story short, the villagers dug Plogojowich’s body up and were shocked that his body hadn’t decomposed.   They were so frightened they pounded a wooden stake through his heart!   Vlad III was named after his father, Vlad Dracul.   Dracul means “Dragon” though some say it means “demon.”   Vlad III was named Dracula which means “Little Dragon” or as some say, “Little Demon.”   In the 1400s Vlad III ruled the region south of Transylvania and had a unique way of dealing with his enemies.   He would impale them.   One of the names he was known by was, “Vlad the Impaler.”    Stoker was drawn to the name Dracula and used it for the main character of his novel.    This book also discusses some of the characteristics vampires are known for.   The book ends with a description of Bran Castle which is believed to be the castle that Stoker based his book on.   Fun, quick look at Transylvania and its famous former citizen.   While a juvenile title it offers an understandable introduction to the country and the famous legends and story that Romania/Transylvania is most known for.    I liked it.  I would recommend it to young children who may be familiar with the story of Dracula or who like spooky tales on up to adults wanting to see what all the vampire/Dracula hoopla is about – this book summarizes the two in a nutshell.

 - Shirley J.