The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova (2005, Hardcover)

If you are looking for a nail-biting horror story about vampires, then this book is not for you! The Historian is an incredible journey that takes the reader back into the history of the original Dracula, Vlad Tepes (who was definitely not an actual vampire, which many folks seem to forget). This author is a talented storyteller who makes Eastern Europe come alive, and I personally learned a lot about places that I have only seen on maps. Although this book is a bit creepy at times, it is not overly terrifying. Instead, it is simply a great story with some history lessons thrown in as well. Bottom line: If you are looking for vampire-horror, then read Anne Rice. If you are looking for something a bit more intellectual, then read The Historian. Elizabeth Kostova is in a league all of her own, and should be applauded for it. I can't wait for her next book!

I really wish people would stop comparing this book to "The Da Vinci Code". Where Dan Brown's book is fast-paced, this book takes a rather meandering path. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But it certainly isn't a book for everybody. If you loved Brown's book because of the pacing, you're going to be sorely disappointed.

This is a mystery novel, with elements of horror (though very, very, very understated) and travelog. The author takes as much delight in describing the locations as she does in unwrapping the vampire mystery. It is, in my opinion, a wonderful mixture. I stayed up later every single night than I should have, because I needed to read just a little more.

If you don't mind a leasurly pace, and like the book's description, then by all means treat yourself to this book. Again, on the other hand, if you prefer the break-neck speed of Brown's novel, stay away from this at all costs.

If you enjoyed Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, you will probably enjoy The Historian. Elizabeth Kostova has a similar writing style that keeps the reader constantly reading just one more chapter to find out what happens next. It's a true page turner!

The story focuses on a young girl and her father's quest to find out the origins of an ancient book and the secrets of Dracula.

Similar books you might enjoy would be Dan Brown's Angels and Demons and the Da Vinci Code or Anne Rice's Vampire Chronciles or her Mayfair Witches books.

I really wanted to like this book, but it just left me flat. Iknow that it has been on the best sellers list, but why? I could not connect with the characters & the story line plodded along. She will not do for vampires what Anne Rice did.

"Twas a dark and stormy night and the captain said, 'Alphonso, tell us a story.' And Alphonso said, 'Twas a dark and stormy night and the captain said, 'Alphonso, tell us a story.' And Alphonso said, Twas a dark and stormy night...."

This book was very good at setting moods and establishing the scenes.... it was scary and suspensful and the story went on and on. Worth a read.

Book was overly long and extremely boring. Fine for anyone who believes in the far fetched existence of vampires. Premise of book was ridiculous.

I read this book some time ago. Some complain that it is too long and too wordy, but I disagree. It was an engrossing story that kept me spellbound, although it isn't a fast paced story. This was an obvious homage to Bram Stoker, and a lot of parallels and "in-jokes" are there for those already familiar with Stoker's book. There are also stylistic similarities. Like my title said, this is not light reading, but if you love good fiction, history, and supernatural, globe-spanning adventures, you will likely enjoy this book. After finishing this, I was prompted to go back and re-read Stoker's classic.

I actually bought this book because although I had read this a while ago, I read a borrowed copy. I enjoyed the book so much that I wanted a copy for my bookshelf for posterity, and so that I can lend it to others.

I read this book months ago and I still think of it now and then. This book rocked my world - unbelievably good. It's 1000 pages & I was sorry to see it end. I treasure this book and will only lend it out to those who I know will return it promptly. Riveting, exciting, eery, spooky, scary, surprising! I hope they make it into a movie because it will be a blockbuster!

I thouroughly enjoyed this book. After reading Bram Stoker's Dracula, this book helped me understand so much more about what Dracula said about his history and his role as a Turk-killer. It can be a bit long at times, and the characters are definitely not what one is used to, but its worth it. I did not find it as spine-chilling as Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, as her characters couldn't be further from the vampire portrayed in Kostova's book, but the historical detail is wonderful and fills one with an avid curiosity to find out more about those periods of time and those places which can seem so exotic or forbidding to us.

This novel was simply amazing. A little bit long yes, but the details really make you feel like you are on the journey with the main characters. This has become one of my all time favorite books. If you like the mystery of The DaVinci Code, you'll love the journey of The Historian.

THE HISTORIAN is a great read, well written and worthy of acclaim. However, it would have been even better with a stronger editor. Ms. Kostova is a great writer and will receive even more praise for her next novel. Can I pre-order now?

This is for people that like Vampires, but we're not talking about True Blood or Twilight characters here.

Vlad the Impaler is beyond masochistic! As is his helper. The helper is the most disgustiong character in the book.

This book is NOT for the faint of heart. Many parts are disturbing.

My rating would be X-rated. NO TEENS, or younger.

This book came to me in great condition it was priced very reasonable. It was also shipped very quickly so I could begin to read it right away. I was very pleased and would gladly shop with this seller agian and highly recommend other shoppers to check out the wide selection.

Quick delivery. Great condition. Great experience. Everything was exactly as described. I recommend this seller.

Historians, I'm afraid, are notorious for writing boring books. Of course, Elizabeth Kostova is not an historian, she only wrote a book about them. And her book is not totally boring, just mainly at the beginning, and some in the middle, and a little in the last part. Considering how long it is, that's not so bad. Also, there are some interesting characters (librarians, university professors, and Romanian peasants) and some vampire action. You will learn a great deal about Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary. And quite a bit about Dracula, who apparently was really into historians. If you liked The DaVinci Code, but thought the pace was just a little too fast for you-- you may like this book too. Or you can wait for the movie.

I decided to buy this book because of someone I know that recommended it since I like books like 'The DaVinci Code' and 'Twilight'. The product was in excellent condition and very well wrapped. A VERY good buy. Definitely would return to buy from this seller more often.
A++!!

A friend of mine had this book and told me about it. she said it was a great book and for all vampire lovers a like such as myself. saw it here on ebay and just had to buy it ^-^

I'm not a big fan of this type of book. I am a truck driver and someone gave me the audio book to listen to while I was driving. I loved it. I have a friend who really enjoys books and movies like this so I bought it for her for Christmas.

I was very impressed with this book. The story line was Dracula but not in the sence that everyone knows the name. The book was full of history through out the book as the characters go on a trip to find a person but they all got much more. It was a thick book but I read it in a few days and then past it along, I only do that with the books actually worth sharing and this book was absolutly gripping, scary and above all it has your attention and the craving fo more after the first page.

I apologize for not being quicker but anyhow you are a terific dealer and I hope to do business with you again, LH

i really enjoyed this read. i found this book in the bargain bin, and am an avid anne rice fan. the vampire genre made me buy it, but honestly, it is almost more of a historical novel. the plot was developed well and fully. i wouldnt recommend for those that like a quick action read, but those that have an appreciation for good writing with a thorough plot will enjoy it. i will watch for this author again.

I found this book very interesting. It had a lot of history within the story. I enjoy the subject of vampires and found that this book held my attention and left me wanting more. It was hard for me to put this book down. Some areas of the story were a little far fetched but it still made for a good read. I would recommend this book to others that have an interest in vampires. I bought this book because a friend lent me her copy, and I loved the story so much that I wanted to add a copy to my own library.

I wanted to buy this book because I thought that the plot/synopsis was great. I am always interested in a good book. A young girl chasing after the thought of being related to Vlad Teppes (Dracula, Vlad the Impaler. Great book! I would recommend it.

i bought it because my english teacher of fall 07 recommended it, i have not yet read it yet but i like how cheap i bought it for