The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole
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 346th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1764
- Nationality
- British
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 100-200
- Original Language
- English
- Avg User Rating
-
(2.8)
- Alternate Titles
-
- Il Castello Di Otranto
- Il Castello di Otranto
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This book is on the following 10 lists:
- 13th on Fantasy and Horror: A Critical and Historical Guide (Book)
- 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read (The Guardian)
- 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (The Book)
- 501 Must-Read Books (LibraryThing)
- Best Books (Fiction, Prose) : Experts Choose Their Favourites (The Book "Best Books")
- C.K. Shorter List of Best 100 Novels (The Bookman February 1898)
- Harenberg Buch der 1000 Bücher (Harenberg Buch der 1000 Bücher)
- Horror Literature: A Core Collection and Reference Guide (Book edited by Marshall B. Tymn)
- The Best Classics (The Times)
- The Great Books Podcast from John J. Miller (The National Review )