Bram Stoker most famous novel. Stoker enjoyed the United States, where Irving was popular. With Irving he was invited twice to the White House, and knew William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. Stoker set two of his novels there, using Americans as characters, the most notable being Quincey Morris. He also met one of his literary idols, Walt Whitman. Stoker visited the English coastal town of Whitby in 1890, and that visit was said to be part of the inspiration for "Dracula". He began writing novels while working as manager for Henry Irving and secretary and director of London's Lyceum Theatre, beginning with
Dracula in popular culture legend. While the story is based on the historical 15th century ruler of Wallachia, it also draws inspiration from the vampire legends that surround the Wallachian Prince. Gabrielle Estres’ novel "Captive" retraces the life of Vlad Țepeș, the Wallachian ruler who inspired Bram Stoker's "Dracula". The book combines historical facts and contemporary 15th century pamphlets with the vampire lore created by Stoker. A version of Dracula (who hates the name and is known as Vlad Tepesh) appears first as a supporting character in the "Night Huntress" series by Jeaniene Frost, then in a more central role as the protagonist's love