Late one night, exploring her father's library, a young woman finds an ancient book and a cache of yellowing letters addressed ominously to 'My dear and unfortunate successor'. Her discovery plunges her into a world she never dreamed of - a labyrinth where the secrets of her father's past and her mother's mysterious fate connect to an evil hidden in the depths of history. In those few quiet moments, she unwittingly assumes a quest she will discover is her birthright - a hunt for the truth about Vlad the Impaler, the ...
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Late one night, exploring her father's library, a young woman finds an ancient book and a cache of yellowing letters addressed ominously to 'My dear and unfortunate successor'. Her discovery plunges her into a world she never dreamed of - a labyrinth where the secrets of her father's past and her mother's mysterious fate connect to an evil hidden in the depths of history. In those few quiet moments, she unwittingly assumes a quest she will discover is her birthright - a hunt for the truth about Vlad the Impaler, the medieval ruler whose barbarous reign formed the basis of the Dracula myth. Deciphering obscure signs and hidden texts, reading codes worked into the fabric of medieval monastic traditions, and evading terrifying adversaries, one woman comes ever closer to the secret of her own past and a confrontation with the very definition of evil. Elizabeth Kostova's debut novel is an adventure of monumental proportions - a captivating tale that blends fact and fantasy, history and the present with an assurance that is almost unbearably suspenseful - and utterly unforgettable.
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Seller's Description:
Very good in Very good jacket. VGC plus/VGC. Little, Brown, 2005. First UK edition-first printing. Red hardback(silver lettering to the spine) in VGC plus, with Dj(some creases, nicks and scratch on the Dj cover) in VGC. Illustrated with a b/w map inside the front and back cover. Nice and clean pages but slightly tainted on the outer edges, a couple of creases inside the pages, two small ink marks inside the half-title page. The book is in VGC with light shelf wear inside the back Dj cover.642pp. Price un-clipped. First edition. Heavy book.
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Seller's Description:
Fine in Near fine jacket. Fine/Near fine. Little, Brown, 2005. First UK edition-4th reprint. Red hardback(silver lettering to the spine, two small nicks on the edges of the cover and spine) in fine condition, with Dj(small colour mark, ink mark, nicks and creases on the Dj cover) in near fine condition. Illustrated with a b/w map inside the front and back cover. Nice and clean pages as new with a small ink mark and nick on the outer edges. Nice and clean book with light shelf wear on the Dj cover.642pp. Price un-clipped. Heavy book.
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Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine.
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Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Ripped/damaged jacket. The dust jacket of this book is slightly damaged/ripped, however, this does not affect the internal condition. Aged book. Tanned pages and age spots, however, this will not interfere with reading.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
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Seller's Description:
Good. Stains on pages and the side **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books.
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Seller's Description:
Fine in Fine jacket. First edition. Fine in fine dustwrapper. Very warmly Inscribed by Kostova to her fellow author Nicholas Delbanco and his wife: "For Nicholas and Elena, darling friends, with love and admiration, Elizabeth Kostova. December 2009." Delbanco taught creative writing at the University of Michigan where Kostova received her MFA and where she won the Hopgood Award, both of which Delbanco supervised. Delbanco is mentioned in the acknowledgments: of this book: "Nicholas Delbanco, cherished mentor, for his reading and for discussions of Monet and Sisley..." A very nice association.
This was a great read. I would recommend it to any one.
I hope to read more from this writer.
Barbara M
Apr 8, 2011
Good Read
This book is very well written. it is not for the casual reader however. One is expected to know something about relevant places as well and the history and myth surrounding Vlad Dracul.
The reader's imagination is excited as the story reveals itself.
Larry H
Jan 5, 2011
A nighttime read
I like to read at night. This is the first book that I had to put down at one point and let it rest for weeks...it was too intense and scary. I can't wait for the movie version to come out.
Rossi
Mar 9, 2010
Two important questions?
The Historian is an all time favorite. However, notable in many reviews is some expressed disappointment with the ending.
To understand the ending - and better appreciate the entire book - I think it is essential for every reader to understand two things - for whom ("the one reader") - and what purpose - motivated the storyteller to finally "commit to paper" this "cri de coeur".
sleepyme
Feb 8, 2010
I tell friends this book is The DaVinci Code for fans of the Dracula legend. The DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons left me longing for a return trip to Europe to follow the trail myself. Similarly, The Historian kindled a desire to follow the roads travelled by the characters in their search for Dracula.
While the book's focus is on Dracula, it is not a horror tale, per se. However, as you read, there may be times when you are tempted to lock the windows and doors and add a string of garlic to your grocery list, just in case.
The characters, quite frankly, were less interesting than the travelogue but someone has to tell the story.
