Horror Walpole, Horace: The Castle of Otranto. v.1, 28 June 2007

Patricia · 06-28-2007, 06:10 PM

Horace Walpole, 'The Castle of Otranto' (1764)

I have removed some scanning errors,and added a picture of the real castle of Otranto and a TOC.

This novella was the original gothic novel. Prince Manfred of Otranto is having trouble with apparitions and strange happenings in his castle. How will the mysterious prophecy about his family succession be fulfilled? Will any family members survive? Or will they be punished up to the third generation?

Horace Walpole was the fourth son of Robert Walpole, the first British Prime Minister. His fondness for things gothic is well-known and, single-handedly he popularised the style. Not only did he produce this gothic novel but he built a gothic mansion at Strawberry Hill, near Twickenham.

If you liked Dr Johnson's 'Rasselas' or Beckford's 'Vathek' then you will probably like this. I have to admit that while the prose is beautiful, Walpole is not so good at capturing a spooky atmosphere. Some of the apparitions are (for me) unintentionally funny.

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Hadrien · 06-28-2007, 06:16 PM

I remember reading something about this book. Maybe in this one: http://www.feedbooks.com/discover/view_book/234

It pretty much said that although it is quite interesting due to the fact that this is the original gothic book, the story itself is boring overall.
I loved Vathek and The Monk, maybe I should still give it a shot...

I'm overall impressed by the choice of your e-books btw Patricia !

RWood · 06-28-2007, 07:38 PM

Another great effort and result. Thanks.

Dr. Drib · 06-29-2007, 09:51 AM

Horace Walpole, 'The Castle of Otranto' (1764)

I've wanted this book for a LONG time!

Thank you, Patricia.

Don

UncleDuke · 06-29-2007, 10:35 AM

and the hits just keep on coming

Prestidigitweeze · 06-19-2011, 05:35 PM

I can't believe I've found this book at last!

I've been looking for this as well as other period-specific gothic novels that employed conspicuously surreal imagery when such excesses were expected to be explained. This usually led to extra narrative zest.

Hence the fun of the giant helmet in this, the first and perhaps strangest novel in the genre.

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06-28-2007, 06:16 PM	#2
Hadrien Feedbooks.com Co-Founder Posts: 2,263 Karma: 145123 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Paris, France Device: Sony PRS-t-1/350/300/500/505/600/700, Nexus S, iPad	I remember reading something about this book. Maybe in this one: http://www.feedbooks.com/discover/view_book/234 It pretty much said that although it is quite interesting due to the fact that this is the original gothic book, the story itself is boring overall. I loved Vathek and The Monk, maybe I should still give it a shot... I'm overall impressed by the choice of your e-books btw Patricia !

06-28-2007, 07:38 PM	#3
RWood Technogeezer Posts: 7,233 Karma: 1601464 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Virginia, USA Device: Sony PRS-500	Another great effort and result. Thanks.

06-29-2007, 09:51 AM	#4
Dr. Drib Grand Sorcerer Posts: 45,314 Karma: 59447733 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Peru Device: KINDLE: Oasis 3, Scribe (1st), Matcha; KOBO: Libra 2, Libra Colour	Horace Walpole, 'The Castle of Otranto' (1764) I've wanted this book for a LONG time! Thank you, Patricia. Don

06-29-2007, 10:35 AM	#5
UncleDuke books & doughnuts Posts: 882 Karma: 37857 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: usa Device: sony reader, kindle2	and the hits just keep on coming

06-19-2011, 05:35 PM	#6
Prestidigitweeze Fledgling Demagogue Posts: 2,384 Karma: 31132263 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: White Plains Device: Clara HD; Oasis 2; Aura HD; iPad Air; PRS-350; Galaxy S7.	I can't believe I've found this book at last! I've been looking for this as well as other period-specific gothic novels that employed conspicuously surreal imagery when such excesses were expected to be explained. This usually led to extra narrative zest. Hence the fun of the giant helmet in this, the first and perhaps strangest novel in the genre.

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