Horace Walpole
Horace Walpole was an English writer, art historian, man of letters, antiquarian, and Whig politician. He is best known for his novel 'The Castle of Otranto,' which is considered the first Gothic novel.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Castle of Otranto
A Gothic Story
"The Castle of Otranto: A Gothic Story" is a novel set in a medieval Italian castle and is considered the first gothic novel. The story revolves around the tyrannical Prince Manfred, who is determined to secure his family's reign in Otranto, despite the fact that his sickly son is killed by a giant helmet on his wedding day. The novel is filled with supernatural elements, including moving portraits, a bleeding statue, and a ghostly knight, as Manfred desperately tries to marry his late son's bride, leading to a series of tragic events. The novel is known for its exploration of the conflict between medieval and renaissance values, and its influence on the gothic literature genre.
The 537th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. The Mysterious Mother
A Tragedy
The story unfolds around a dark and intricate tale of forbidden desires and tragic consequences, centered on a noblewoman who unwittingly becomes entangled in a web of incest and deception. As secrets from the past resurface, the characters grapple with guilt, remorse, and the haunting specters of their actions. The narrative explores themes of sin, redemption, and the inescapable nature of fate, set against a backdrop of gothic elements and intense emotional turmoil. Through its complex characters and dramatic revelations, the story delves into the depths of human frailty and the enduring impact of hidden truths.
The 6202nd Greatest Book of All Time
