The Castle of Otranto (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781533203212)

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. 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 "That the castle and lordship of Otranto should pass from the present family, whenever the real owner should be grown too large to inhabit it". Manfred, terrified that Conrad's death signals the beginning of the end for his line, resolves to avert destruction by marrying Isabella himself while divorcing his current wife Hippolita, who he feels has failed to bear him a proper heir.

Author: Horace Walpole
ISBN-10: 1533203210
ISBN-13: 9781533203212
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Language: English
Published: 05/12/2016
Pages: 136
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.42lbs
Size: 9.02h x 5.98w x 0.29d