None

COUNTESS OF THE MOON is a history-changing biographical novel about Elizabeth Báthory, the most maligned woman in history. Up to now, she has been known as the "blood countess," who bathed in the blood of virgins to retain her beauty. COUNTESS OF THE MOON nullifies the legend, and--for the first time in four hundred years--reveals her true story, that of a fascinating woman famed for her beauty, quirky wit and healing skill, with a knack for diplomacy, struggling against the merciless forces of the Habsburg empire set to destroy her. Savage battles, witchburnings, the horror of exorcism, religious exaltation and the ecstasy of love, the mysteries of creating a homunculus alchemically, the suspense of practicing secret healing arts, and political intrigues with murder as their aim make COUNTESS OF THE MOON a spellbinding story. Some of the illustrious figures of the Renaissance, who played a role in Elizabeth's life were the Habsburg Emperor Rudolph II, his astronomer Johannes Kepler, Vincenzo Gonzaga: Duke of Mantua, the composer Claudio Monteverdi, and Judah Loew ben Bezalel: the "Wonder Rabbi," creator of the Golem--all portrayed here with grace, passion, and a keen human insight.The age of Elizabeth Báthory was in many respects like our own: a turbulent period of spiritual and social crises, wars and revolutions, brilliant scientific discoveries and sinister fanaticism, when traditional values had fallen and new values were being born. This similarity makes her story especially timely today.