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Elizabeth Bathory: A Memoire:

As Told by Her Court master,

Benedict Deseö

Join COBSAE @: www.infamouslady.com

COBSAE is a community of enthusiasts dedicated to research, discussion, and the appreciation of

one of history’s most enigmatic figures, Countess Erzsébet Báthory.

Community of Báthory

Scholars & Enthusiasts

Greetings, Good People of COBSAE!

Summer 2011

As you can see, this summer edition of our Community of Báthory Scholars & Enthusiasts newsletter has a

new look! We’re unveiling it just in time for Kim Craft’s own unveiling of her new fiction novella about

Her Ladyship, Elizabeth Bathory: A Memoire. Based on historical facts and the extensive research Prof.

Craft has performed, this tome is the author’s first fiction title, yet quite possibly, her last book about the

Countess. Using real names and places, this historical fiction novella tells the behind-the-scenes story of

what happened to Countess Báthory, including her own personal torture, the rage and fear that drove her to

murder her servant girls, and a gothic tale of undying love. In this issue, we chat with the Professor about

her cross-over into fiction and give you a retrospect of her other influential titles that have shed some light

of legitimacy upon the lore surrounding this most “Infamous Lady.” We will also bring you up to date on

the progress of Dennis Bathory-Kitsz’s opera, Erzsébet.

As always, we'd love to hear from you and make your contributions a part of our next issue! Feel free to

write us at: [email protected] and join our Infamous Lady Fan Page on Facebook! Many

thanks for your continued support and enthusiasm!

~ Liz Carrington, COBSAE Co-founder

154 Pages, Paperback

ISBN-10: 1463678479

ISBN-13: 978-1463678470

Language: English

List Price: $9.95 (Also available on Kindle)

Copyright 2011, Kimberly L. Craft

Accused of having murdered hundreds of her servants,

Countess Elizabeth Báthory was walled alive in her

castle as punishment until her death. Years later,

desperate to know the truth behind his infamous

mother's crimes, young Count Paul seeks out the only

man still alive who can tell her story: Countess

Báthory's court master and confidante, Benedict Deseö.

However, revealing the truth could destroy the old

man's sanity and, very possibly, ruin the family

reputation which the count so desperately wishes to

preserve.

Go to GoodReads.com & Enter to Win a Copy of Kim Craft’s Latest Book!

From now until 9/30/11

http://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Bathory-Memoire-Master-Benedict/dp/1463678479/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1312832148&sr=8-4

http://bathory.org/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.100224396731493.147.100002317980440#!/pages/Infamous-Lady-The-True-Story-of-Countess-Erzs%C3%A9bet-B%C3%A1thory/265716266370?sk=wall&filter=1

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12053927-elizabeth-bathory

Kim Craft debuts her first fiction novella, “Elizabeth Bathory: A Memoire: As Told by Her Court Master,

Benedict Deseö”. We ask her about what it’s like delving into a new genre and the “risqué factor” involved.

Memoires of an Author:

Kimberly Craft Shares Her Most

Provocative Insights about the Countess

Delete box or place a caption here.

COBSAE: After all of the research you've done,

looking into, and in a sense, sharing some of

Countess Báthory's experiences, what do you

find to be the most interesting or unusual aspect

of her life?

KLC: “The fact that her role and duties demanded

that she act more like a modern corporate CEO than

a lady of leisure. I think many people get the

impression that, as an aristocrat, Countess Bathory

spent her days indulging in idle pursuits or leisure

activities when, in fact, she was responsible for

administering dozens of estates, thousands of acres

of land, handling legal disputes, collecting and

paying taxes, and even acting as an envoy or

diplomat.”

COBSAE: As an academic and legal scholar, we

know that you have spent a great deal of time

trying to gather facts and historical artifacts to

help unveil the truth about this "Infamous

Lady". Can you tell us what compelled you to

now write a historical fiction novel about her?

KLC: “In order to present credible biographies of

Countess Bathory, I had to support what I said with

documents of both primary and secondary source

material. Unfortunately, very little original source

material remains to us today, thus leaving holes or

gaps in our knowledge of what her life was like or

what motivated her thoughts and actions. Like

most people, I find these gaps frustrating. I also

have my own theories and ideas on what motivated

her behavior, or what her personal relationships

might have been like. With a work of fiction, I’m

now free to explore some of those ideas without the

burden of having to support them factually.

Readers understand that, while the story is based in

fact, it’s still a work of fiction and, thus, subject to

some artistic liberties.”

COBSAE: Could you share a little bit more

about the story, who the other characters are,

and how they relate to Erzsėbet?

KLC: “I’ve often believed that what motivated

Erzsebet’s cruelty as an adult was motivated by the

cruelty that she herself suffered as a child. The fact

that she specifically sought out girls between the

ages of 10-14 upon whom she inflicted her rage

suggests to me that she felt that own rage deeply

within, and likely suffered brutalization herself

around that same time frame. The book explores

that theory, that while growing up at Sarvar, this

tomboyish country girl was brutally forced into

submission as part of her training to be a lady of the

court and high nobility. At about this same time,

we also know that she delivered a child out of

wedlock. I explore the concept that she was also

brutalized as a punishment for this and that she

never fully recovered from the shock of her lost

child, her lost first romance, and the suffering

inflicted upon her at Sarvar Court. I also explore

the concept that Hungary’s national war hero,

Ferenc Nadasdy, was a very brutal man who

equally traumatized Countess Bathory. Historical

records certainly bear out his cruelty. Finally, I

explore the relationship Countess Bathory had with

her court master, Benedict Deseo.

The story opens after the Countess’ death, when her

son, Paul Nadasdy, now an adult, desires to learn

more about what really happened to her, to find out

more about the legends concerning his mother and

her infamous deeds. He seeks out her former court

master, Benedict Deseo, who is now an old man

and one of the last remaining witnesses who knows

exactly what happened behind closed doors.

Historically, Deseo was very close to Countess

Bathory: at trial, witnesses claimed that he knew

more about what happened in secret than anyone

else, and yet he never spoke of it to anyone. In

other words, he protected her secrets.

“…this one was the riskiest of all to write. I don't hold anything back… sex, death, insanity, passion, remorse, vengeance,

love…”


ISBN-10: 1463678479

ISBN-13: 978-1463678470

Language: English

List Price: $9.95 (Also available on Kindle)


Memoires of an Author…

Continued

On the other hand, witness testimony also reveals

that he privately begged her to stop the killings,

and that he was afraid for her safety. In her letters

to him, Countess Bathory also reveals that he had

first-hand knowledge of her most confidential

letters, that he conducted sensitive business

missions for her, and that he administered some of

her largest estates, including Keresztur. In her

letters, she also refers to him in the “familiar”

form of the Hungarian language, something that

the otherwise prim and proper Countess never did

with any other family or friends (including her

own husband!). Thus, we know that they were

very close in real life. And yet, they weren’t

“friendly” or comfortable with each other, either.

There is definitely tension between them, and the

book explores the idea that they actually had a

romantic relationship once upon a time that went

terribly wrong.”

COBSAE: What kind of experience do you

wish your readers to have with this book?

There are a few chapters which can be

considered rather provocative. What sort of

emotions do you think may be evoked from

them?

KLC: “With all of my books, I hope that readers

come away with a better and more realistic

understanding of what Countess Bathory was

actually like as a person.

We have too many bad fiction books and terrible

horror movies about her that have painted her into

a silly caricature. The real woman was far more

complex, terribly paradoxical--and not at all a

caricature. For example, while she wrote

mundane letters talking about roof repairs needed

on her Viennese mansion, the monks across the

street were throwing pots at the wall because they

couldn’t bear the screaming of tortured girls

coming from the same house. That’s the Erzsebet

I explore in this work of fiction, the woman who

can’t be easily defined, who was both angel and

demon. Above all, I hope everyone enjoys the

book. I know that we all have very definite—and

personal—thoughts and beliefs about her. I never

want to ruffle any feathers.” [Laughs]

AVAILABLE NOW @ www.amazon.com

Elizabeth Bathory: A Memoire:

As Told by Her Court master,

Benedict Deseö

COBSAE: Professor, is this really your final

book about the Countess? Please say it isn’t so!

KLC: “Well, I can’t say that I will never write

another book about, or involving Countess

Bathory, life is long after all! The nice thing

about fiction is that I can say whatever I want;

however, for me, this one was the riskiest of all to

write. I don't hold anything back on this one: sex,

death, insanity, passion, remorse, vengeance,

love… for the time being, it's going to be hard to

top! [Smiles]

http://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Bathory-Memoire-Master-Benedict/dp/1463678479/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312921996&sr=1-4


Shedding Light on a Legend…

The Titles that reveal the Truth behind

the Mystery of Countess Báthory

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“The publication of this book is the most important

milestone in Báthory research… Báthory enthusiasts will

require Infamous Lady in their collections..." ~Dennis

Báthory-Kitsz

Bathory.org

Read More Reviews of “Infamous Lady”@:

Infamous Lady:

The True Story of Countess

Erzsébet Báthory

340 pages, Paperback

ISBN-10: 1449513441

ISBN-13: 978-1449513443

Language: English

Hardcopy List Price: $24.95

Kindle Edition: $9.95


First Edition

Much has been written about the so-called Infamous Lady, Tiger of

Csejthe, and Blood Countess, Erzsébet (Elizabeth) Báthory of

Hungary. Reviled as the World's Worst Female Serial Killer,

Countess Báthory is said to have bathed in the blood of the 650

servant girls she tortured and murdered as a magical means of

sustaining her youthful appearance. Upon her arrest, she was

condemned to life imprisonment and walled up in a tower of her

castle. Reputed to be a vampire, lesbian, and witch, her shocking

story inspired the Brothers Grimm, Bram Stoker, and gothic horror

fans around the world for the past four hundred years.

History has painted the Countess as an insane murderess; yet she

was a far more complicated figure--the wife of a national war hero,

a mother, generous benefactor, and socialite who routinely attended

court and even the king's coronation, just months before her arrest.

This biography explores the life of the 16th-century "Blood

Countess" of Hungary, Erzsébet Báthory. Based on newly-found

source material, translated into English for the first time, this book

explores the actual life and trial of Countess Báthory, through

letters, documents, and trial transcripts.

Excerpt: "…She pricked the girls through their

fingers with pins and said, "If it hurts the whore, then she can pull it out"; if she did so, the Lady would beat her again and cut off the finger." --Trial Testimony of Ilona

Jó, Widow of István Nagy

The Private

Letters of Countess

Erzsébet Báthory

Excerpt: "…I know well, Lord Bánffy, that this is only the new poverty, that you would be

watching my small estate and do this. Not for the wealth, but yet know this, that I

will not allow myself to be dominated by men for long." –Letter to György Bánffy,

February 3, 1606

“Painstakingly translated for a balanced

presentation…Invaluable to history buffs wishing to gain

as much understanding as possible about Countess

Bathory's state of mind during the time of her accused

crimes until shortly before her arrest, including her first

will and testament...” ~ J. Haggard

Amazon.com

Read More Reviews of “The Private Letters

of Countess Erzsėbet Báthory” @:


ISBN-13: 978-1461066774

ISBN-10: 1461066778

BISAC: Biography & Autobiography /

Historical

Language: English

Hardcopy List Price $12.95

Kindle Edition: $5.99


First Edition

Professor Kimberly Craft provides readers a rare

glimpse into the life of Hungary's most controversial

noblewoman, Countess Erzsébet (Elizabeth) Báthory.

Over 40 letters and documents, many of which have

been recently discovered and translated, are presented

here for the first time in English. Read the private

letters Lady Báthory sent in secret to fellow nobility,

learn how she administered her estates, and experience

life as she knew it.

Historical background is provided as well as

biographical material. This book is an excellent

resource for the Báthory scholar and enthusiast who

is looking for new and factual information on the

so-called Infamous lady.

Erzsebét: The Opera

Set to Premiere:

Halloween Weekend 2011

COBSAE: SUMMER 2011

Information and images courtesy Bathory.org © Copyright 2011. Dennis Bathory-Kitsz

Erzsebét: The Opera is a go! After years in the making, and facing the daunting task of fundraising to

bring his vision about the Countess to life, renowned composer Dennis Báthory-Kitsz will be premiering

his opera this Halloween! We bring you the latest details about the project and how you can help and

become a part of this very special event…

Fundraising for Erzsébet: The Opera is ongoing

through the summer of 2011.

The opera/monodrama on the life and death of

Countess Erzsébet Báthory will take place in three

locations during late October 2011: Hyde Park

Opera House (October 28), Haybarn Theatre at

Goddard College (October 29) and Main Street

Landing Black Box Theatre (October 30).

It will star Lisa Jablow and the Vermont

Contemporary Music Ensemble conducted by

Anne Decker. The production will be directed by

Naomi Flanders with stage design by Pavel Kraus

and production and lighting design by Michael

Bean and Tim Berg and graphics by Alex

Vitzthum, with costuming by Meg Hammond.

The Twilight films have nothing on this true

story! For more details and announcements,

please visit: Bathory.org

When & Where:

Premieres Halloween Weekend 2011 in

Vermont (US)!

Friday, October 28

Hyde Park Opera House, Hyde Park

Saturday, October 29

Haybarn Theatre at Goddard

College, Plainfield

Sunday, October 30

Main Street Landing Black Box

Theatre, Burlington

“The strong Erzsébet that has fascinated so many women is the

Erzsébet that I try to portray in this opera.”

There’s still time to get your reward! Find

out how to become a part of history and

make your mark on this special event!

Visit Dennis’ website:

Bathory.org

To learn more about the opera, his work,

videos, and the artists and backers who are

helping it all happen!

http://bathory.org/

http://bathory.org/

www.infamouslady.com

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The Last Word

News & Reviews

We are pleased to receive the

first reviews of Kim Craft’s

latest work:

Elizabeth Bathory:

A Memoire

If you’ve read Infamous

Lady, and/or The Private

Letters of Countess Erzsébet

Báthory, we’d love to hear

your feedback! Please share

your reviews with us @:

[email protected]

From GoodReads.com

Ashley Logan Wrote:

“I have great respect for Kimberly Craft's work on Elizabeth Bathory. Being intrigued by her

myself I was glad to meet someone who had actually done research and translated letters written

by her and others. Her biographies on Bathory were wonderful. As a researcher I understand how

daunting a task like this can be. As you research a subject you start to concoct your own theories

as you start trying to read between the lines, so to speak. As you cannot subject your own theories

into a historically correct book the only option you have is to write your own fictional novel about

your own theories. This is what Ms. Craft has done and she has done it beautifully with this novel.

I can see how the fictionalized story could have possibly happened. I can see how being betrayed,

even though it wasn't the person's fault that possibly betrayed her, can put someone over the

edge…”

Read the full review here…

From Amazon.com: “Disturbing, Provocative, Poignant

Vicky Janik wrote:

"…Elizabeth Bathory: A Memoire is an unusual, yet compelling story

recollecting how the young Countess Bathory's tormented soul and broken

heart would eventually lead her down a twisted path that would ultimately

turn her into a monster. The tale is brought to life through the eyes of her

most trusted confidante, a man who loved her, feared her, and who is

taunted by the memories of all that he witnessed. This book gives us a

front-row seat to the macabre and it truly has something for everyone. It is a

heady blend of fact and fearless fiction which shines a new light on the

scandalous legends that have made Countess Elizabeth Bathory infamous. It

appeases scholarly followers with a solid storyline and historical

background, yet, entices us with shocking details of her heinous acts of both

physical and emotional cruelty. This is also a very provocative and sensual

book, not meant for the overly sensitive or squeamish. In particular, it

makes me think of a passage describing a certain rosewater bath one

evening in which the Countess had an indulgence, per say, with her

chambermaids... I must warn that it will leave many readers breathless. My

only wish is that it was a bit longer, as it is a quick read; great for the

weekend or a night in. "Elizabeth Bathory: A Memoire" is a decadent treat

that may just become a "nightstand" favorite.”

http://www.infamouslady.com/


http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/193051127





We hope you enjoyed this issue!

We look forward to your thoughts and feedback!

If you’re a fan of the Countess and would like to

contribute to a future issue, please let us know.

We’d love to hear from you and feature your

contributions.

Please write to us or send your inquiry to:

[email protected]

Community of Báthory

Scholars & Enthusiasts

SUMMER 2011

Many thanks to the members who have so

generously contributed to the creation of this

newsletter:

COBSAE Founder /Author, Kimberly L. Craft

COBSAE Co-founder / Production Editor, Liz

Carrington

Composer, Dennis Báthory-Kitsz

Features:

“Erzsébet: The Opera, Dennis Báthory-Kitsz

Images Courtesy of: Kimberly L. Craft, Dennis

Báthory-Kitsz

Last Word Review: Vicky Janik, Ashley Logan


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