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The Castle of Otranto By Horace Walpole

The Castle of Otranto

By Horace Walpole

  • Release Date: 2025-03-10
  • Genre: Horror
  • $0.99

Description

The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole, first published in 1764, is celebrated as the very first Gothic novel — a genre it helped define with its blend of romance, mystery, and supernatural horror. Set in a medieval castle filled with eerie visions, ancient prophecies, and dark secrets, the story unfolds with high drama and suspense. The novel follows Prince Manfred, whose desire to secure his family’s rule drives him to increasingly desperate and dangerous actions after the sudden and mysterious death of his son. As strange occurrences and ghostly apparitions plague the castle, a tale of forbidden love, usurpation, and fate emerges. Walpole masterfully combines elements of medieval romance with modern psychological tension, creating a world where the supernatural and the human collide. The Castle of Otranto remains a cornerstone of Gothic fiction, influencing countless authors and captivating readers with its atmosphere of dread and wonder.