The Castle of Otranto: A Gothic Story

“Look, my Lord! See heaven itself declares against your impious intentions!”

The Castle of Otranto, originally published in 1764, was the first supernatural English novel and one of the most influential and earliest works of Gothic fiction. It inaugurated a literary genre that will be forever associated with the effects that Walpole pioneered. Chilling coincidences, ghostly visitations, arcane revelations and violent combat combine in a heady mix that terrified the novel's first readers.

Professing to be a translation of a mysterious Italian tale from the darkest Middle Ages, the novel tells of Manfred, a 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.

About this book

Bibliography information: Published 1976 (month and date uknown), with text from a collected edition of Walpole's works in 1798; Introduction by Devendra P. Varma; Illustrations by Charles Keeping - 6 plates of lithographs; Typeset in Monotype Bulmer with Gill Floriated Capitals and Hass ornaments for display; Printed and bound by Mackay, UK. Please note that titles published by Folio do not carry an ISBN. 

About this pre-owned copy

This is a very good book with the jacket and pages all in very good condition. The slipcase shows some signs of wear (some sunning and yellowing) but the book itself is unaffected. The marbling on the covers is still bring and clear. The two-colour illustration still have their depth of tone the sits well alongside the ornaments. A handsome slim volume.