"A feminist debunking of the myth of a monstrous Renaissance noblewoman . Through close reading of Bathory''s many letters and various contemporary accounts, poet and writer Puhak uncovers a thoroughly pre-modern Renaissance woman, well bred and well read, from a distinguished ancient family . Admirably clear-eyed history related in crystalline prose." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review "This striking account from poet and historian Puhak separates the true story of Hungarian noblewoman Elizabeth Bathory from her blood-soaked mythology . It''s a stunning feminist reconsideration of one of history''s most reviled villainesses." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review "With vivid scenes and astonishing detail, Puhak takes us on an enthralling journey into the life of the notorious Elizabeth Bathory. In this deeply researched, essential historical corrective, we finally learn how Bathory came to be known as the Blood Countess and meet the woman behind the myth." -- Olivia Campbell, New York Times bestselling author of WOMEN IN WHITE COATS: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine "A brilliant reappraisal of the life and legend of Elizabeth, Countess of Bathory .
Employing an engaging style and meticulous research, Puhak slices through four hundred years of superstition and smears with the ease of a Renaissance knight on a noble quest for truth and justice. Both an invaluable contribution to scholarship and a compelling true crime mystery, The Blood Countess makes for a fascinating read." -- Nancy Goldstone, author of THE REBEL EMPRESSES: Elisabeth of Austria and Eugénie of France, Power and Glamour in the Struggle for Europe "In a remarkable feat of research, Shelley Puhak untangles the four-century-old mystery of the Blood Countess, a tale long tainted by misinformation in a society determined to sink a powerful woman. Puhak''s fine writing brings the notorious countess to life with clarity and passion." -- Becky Aikman, author of SPITFIRES: The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger During World War II "Shelley Puhak skillfully reveals the layers of deception and fear surrounding Countess Elizabeth Bathory, portraying her as a complex and misunderstood figure: commanding, powerful, and punished for defying the limits imposed on women. A new image emerges-a formidable woman fighting against men eager to seize her property and power. The Blood Countess reveals how influential women are often vilified and underscores the significant role myths play in shaping our understanding of history." -- Lydia Reeder, author of THE CURE FOR WOMEN: Dr.
Mary Putnam Jacobi and the Challenge to Victorian Medicine That Changed Women''s Lives Forever "Shelley Puhak leaves no stone unturned in her thorough debunking of the myths surrounding Elizabeth Bathory . [Bathory''sbell, New York Times bestselling author of WOMEN IN WHITE COATS: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine "A brilliant reappraisal of the life and legend of Elizabeth, Countess of Bathory . Employing an engaging style and meticulous research, Puhak slices through four hundred years of superstition and smears with the ease of a Renaissance knight on a noble quest for truth and justice. Both an invaluable contribution to scholarship and a compelling true crime mystery, The Blood Countess makes for a fascinating read." -- Nancy Goldstone, author of THE REBEL EMPRESSES: Elisabeth of Austria and Eugénie of France, Power and Glamour in the Struggle for Europe "In a remarkable feat of research, Shelley Puhak untangles the four-century-old mystery of the Blood Countess, a tale long tainted by misinformation in a society determined to sink a powerful woman. Puhak''s fine writing brings the notorious countess to life with clarity and passion." -- Becky Aikman, author of SPITFIRES: The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger During World War II "Shelley Puhak skillfully reveals the layers of deception and fear surrounding Countess Elizabeth Bathory, portraying her as a complex and misunderstood figure: commanding, powerful, and punished for defying the limits imposed on women. A new image emerges-a formidable woman fighting against men eager to seize her property and power.
The Blood Countess reveals how influential women are often vilified and underscores the significant role myths play in shaping our understanding of history." -- Lydia Reeder, author of THE CURE FOR WOMEN: Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi and the Challenge to Victorian Medicine That Changed Women''s Lives Forever "Shelley Puhak leaves no stone unturned in her thorough debunking of the myths surrounding Elizabeth Bathory . [Bathory''sr of SPITFIRES: The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger During World War II "Shelley Puhak skillfully reveals the layers of deception and fear surrounding Countess Elizabeth Bathory, portraying her as a complex and misunderstood figure: commanding, powerful, and punished for defying the limits imposed on women. A new image emerges-a formidable woman fighting against men eager to seize her property and power. The Blood Countess reveals how influential women are often vilified and underscores the significant role myths play in shaping our understanding of history." -- Lydia Reeder, author of THE CURE FOR WOMEN: Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi and the Challenge to Victorian Medicine That Changed Women''s Lives Forever "Shelley Puhak leaves no stone unturned in her thorough debunking of the myths surrounding Elizabeth Bathory .
[Bathory''sbell, New York Times bestselling author of WOMEN IN WHITE COATS: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine "A brilliant reappraisal of the life and legend of Elizabeth, Countess of Bathory . Employing an engaging style and meticulous research, Puhak slices through four hundred years of superstition and smears with the ease of a Renaissance knight on a noble quest for truth and justice. Both an invaluable contribution to scholarship and a compelling true crime mystery, The Blood Countess makes for a fascinating read." -- Nancy Goldstone, author of THE REBEL EMPRESSES: Elisabeth of Austria and Eugénie of France, Power and Glamour in the Struggle for Europe "In a remarkable feat of research, Shelley Puhak untangles the four-century-old mystery of the Blood Countess, a tale long tainted by misinformation in a society determined to sink a powerful woman. Puhak''s fine writing brings the notorious countess to life with clarity and passion." -- Becky Aikman, author of SPITFIRES: The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger During World War II "Shelley Puhak skillfully reveals the layers of deception and fear surrounding Countess Elizabeth Bathory, portraying her as a complex and misunderstood figure: commanding, powerful, and punished for defying the limits imposed on women. A new image emerges-a formidable woman fighting against men eager to seize her property and power. The Blood Countess reveals how influential women are often vilified and underscores the significant role myths play in shaping our understanding of history.
" -- Lydia Reeder, author of THE CURE FOR WOMEN: Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi and the Challenge to Victorian Medicine That Changed Women''s Lives Forever "Shelley Puhak leaves no stone unturned in her thorough debunking of the myths surrounding Elizabeth Bathory . [Bathory''sbell, New York Times bestselling author of WOMEN IN WHITE COATS: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine "A brilliant reappraisal of the life and legend of Elizabeth, Countess of Bathory . Employing an engaging style and meticulous research, Puhak slices through four hundred years of superstition and smears with the ease of a Renaissance knight on a noble quest for truth and justice. Both an invaluable contribution to scholarship and a compelling true crime mystery, The Blood Countess makes for a fascinating read." -- Nancy Goldstone, author of THE REBEL EMPRESSES: Elisabeth of Austria and Eugénie of France, Power and Glamour in the Struggle for Europe "In a remarkable feat of research, Shelley Puhak untangles the four-century-old mystery of the Blood Countess, a tale long tainted by misinformation in a society determined to sink a powerful woman. Puhak''s fine writing brings the notorious countess to life with clarity and passion." -- Becky Aikman, author of SPITFIRES: The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger During World War II "Shelley Puhak skillfully reveals the layers of deception and fear surrounding Countess Elizabeth Bathory, portraying her as a complex and misunderstood figure: commanding, powerful, and punished for defying the limits imposed on women.
A new image emerges-a formidable woman fighting against men eager to seize her property and power. The Blood Countess reveals how influential women are often vilified and underscores the significant role myths play in shaping our understanding of history." -- Lydia Reeder, author of THE CURE FOR WOMEN: Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi and the Challenge to Victorian Medicine That Changed Women''s Lives Forever "Shelley Puhak leaves no stone unturned in her thorough debunking of the myths surrounding Elizabeth Bathory . [Bathory''sr of SPITFIRES: The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger During World War II "Shelley Puhak skillfully reveals the layers of deception and fear surrounding Countess Elizabeth Bathory, portraying her as a complex and misunderstood figure: commanding, powerful, and punished for defying the limits imposed on women. A new image emerges-a.