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The Castle of Otranto
A Gothic Story
Series: Oxford World's Classics
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Format: Paperback / softback
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This classic is ideal for readers interested in the origins of Gothic literature and early supernatural fiction. Fans of atmospheric, eerie tales with historical and literary significance will find it essential.
One of the most influential Gothic novels, The Castle of Otranto established the literary effects associated with the genre: an ancient castle, secret passages, supernatural visitations, an innocent girl threatened with violence, sudden revelations, terror, and excitement. This new edition explores the reasons for the novel's impact.
A new edition of one of the most influential Gothic novels, which explores the reasons for the novel's impact.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
Look, my lord! See heaven itself declares against your impious intentions!
The Castle of Otranto (1764) is the first supernatural English novel and one of the most influential works of Gothic fiction. It inaugurated a literary genre that will be forever associated with the effects that Walpole pioneered. Professing to be a translation of a mysterious Italian tale from the darkest Middle Ages, the novel tells of Manfred, prince of Otranto, whose fear of an ancient prophecy sets him on a course of destruction.
After the grotesque death of his only son, Conrad, on his wedding day, Manfred determines to marry the bride-to-be. The virgin Isabella flees through a castle riddled with secret passages. Chilling coincidences, ghostly visitations, arcane revelations, and violent combat combine in a heady mix that terrified the novel's first readers.
In this new edition Nick Groom examines the reasons for its extraordinary impact and the Gothic culture from which it sprang. The Castle of Otranto was a game-changer, and Walpole the writer who paved the way for modern horror exponents.
ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780198704447
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 09 October 2014
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Edition: 3rd Revised edition
Contributors:
- Edited by Nick Groom
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 11.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 196.0mm
Weight: 148g
Pages: 192
About the Author
Nick Groom has published widely for both academic and popular readerships, with particular interest in questions of authenticity and the emergence of national and regional identity. His books include The Gothic (2012) for the Very Short Introductions series, The Union Jack: the Story of the British Flag (Atlantic, 2006), and The Seasons: an Elegy for the Passing of the Year (Atlantic, 2013).
Also by Horace Walpole
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The Castle of Otranto
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...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips mid August -
Three Gothic Novels
The Gothic novel, which flourished from about 1765 until 1825, revels in the horrible and the supernatural, in suspense and exotic settings. This volume, with its erudite introduction by Mario Praz, presents three of the most celebrated Gothic novels: The Castle of Otranto, published pseudonymously in 1765, is one of the first of the genre and the most truly Gothic...Paperback$2900Elsewhere:$3200Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Gothic Classics: The Castle of Otranto and The Old English Baron
The newest addition to the highly acclaimed Haunted Library of Horror Classics seriesβsomething haunts this castle, and it won't stop until justice is served... Manfred, the lord of The Castle of Otranto, has long lived in dread of an ancient prophecyβit's foretold that when his family line ends, the true owner of the castle will appear and claim it. In...Paperback$4500Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks
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