Product Description

On the day of his wedding, Conrad, heir to the house of Otranto, is killed in mysterious circumstances. His calculating father Manfred fears that his dynasty will now come to an end and determines to marry his son’s bride himself – despite the fact he is already married. But a series of terrifying supernatural omens soon threaten this unlawful union, as the curse placed on Manfred’s ancestor, who usurped the lawful Prince of Otranto, begins to unfold. First published pseudonymously in 1764, purporting to be an ancient Italian text from the time of the crusades, The Castle of Otranto is a founding work of Gothic fiction. With its compelling blend of sinister portents, tempestuous passions and ghostly visitations, it spawned an entire literary tradition and influenced such writers as Ann Radcliffe and Bram Stoker.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #136479 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

About the Author
Horace Walpole (1717-97), 4th Earl of Orford, was the son of the Whig Prime Minister, Robert Walpole. In 1747 he moved to Strawberry Hill in Twickenham, which he transformed into his "little Gothic castle". He was at the centre of literary and political society and an arbiter of taste. He is remembered for his witty letters to a wide circle of friends. Michael Gamer is Professor of English at the University of Pennsylvania. He is the author of 'Romanticism and the Gothic' (CUP, 2000).

Customer Reviews

A Lasting Legacy
Let's be honest, this book is hardly high literature, and in today's marketplace probably wouldn't be published. The story itslef is camp, crazy and mind boggling. There is a death, omens and a curse in this wild tale set in a castle. There are no speech marks making it slightly slower to read, although it is fast-paced.

First published in 1764 this has hardly ever been out of print since, and is one of the most important and influential novels ever written. What Walpole gave to the world was the first gothic tale. So what?... some of you may be thinking. Well gothic definitely had an influence on the English Romantic poets. Over the years gothic has split into many branches creating new genres. From the main gothic branch you have today's horror tales, and supernatural tales. Through the sensation novel, the gothic influence that created this gradually splilt into crime, thriller and mystery genres.

It may be a crazy book but I love it, and if you are interested in the gothic novel, or in literature in general you must have this book on your bookcase. The influence of this book upon others over the years can never fully be appreciated. From books to films to tv dramas, in one form or another the world loves gothic.