The Castle of Otranto - Softcover

Walpole, Horace

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1507786832 ISBN 13: 9781507786833

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015

Synopsis

The Castle of Otranto is a 1764 novel by Horace Walpole. It is generally regarded as the first gothic novel, initiating a literary genre, which would become extremely popular in the later 18th century and early 19th century. Thus, Walpole, by extension, is arguably the forerunner to such authors as Charles Maturin, Ann Radcliffe, Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe and Daphne du Maurier, with his usage of elements of terror, suspense and references to supernatural powers to catch the reader. The Castle of Otranto tells the story of Manfred, lord of the castle, and his family. The book begins on the wedding-day of his sickly son Conrad and princess Isabella. Shortly before the wedding, however, Conrad is crushed to death by a gigantic helmet that falls on him from above. This inexplicable event is particularly ominous in light of an ancient prophecy. Soon the castle is to be haunted by betrayal, adultery and even murder.

About this title

About the Author:

Horace Walpole (1717–1797) was an English historian, politician, and writer. He revived the Gothic style of architecture decades before the Victorians, and penned the proto-Gothic novel The Castle of Otranto.

Review:

"Containing a Harry Potter-like array of animated portraits, supernatural adventures in vaults and cellars and astonishing, inexplicable events."  —Telegraph

About this edition

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1507786832
• ISBN 13: 9781507786833
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 94