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Book Review
Aug. 14th, 2017 08:36 pmThe Castle of Otranto
by Horace Walpole
This short novel was one of the first Gothic novels, and was a big hit when it was published in 1764. It was indeed very entertaining. The story concerns the misdeed of Prince Manfred of Otranto, the dark secrets his family history holds, and the ultimate collapse of both his dynasty and his castle. It has all the hallmarks of a its genre: supernatural events, a dastardly villain, dark secrets, virtuous maidens, a gloomy castle, star-crossed lovers, and dramatic tragedy. What I wasn't expecting was the way the plot is pretty over-the-top, at times verging on absurdity. The events of the book open with Manfred's heir getting crushed by a giant helmet that falls on him out of nowhere on his wedding day. Yes, really.
by Horace Walpole
This short novel was one of the first Gothic novels, and was a big hit when it was published in 1764. It was indeed very entertaining. The story concerns the misdeed of Prince Manfred of Otranto, the dark secrets his family history holds, and the ultimate collapse of both his dynasty and his castle. It has all the hallmarks of a its genre: supernatural events, a dastardly villain, dark secrets, virtuous maidens, a gloomy castle, star-crossed lovers, and dramatic tragedy. What I wasn't expecting was the way the plot is pretty over-the-top, at times verging on absurdity. The events of the book open with Manfred's heir getting crushed by a giant helmet that falls on him out of nowhere on his wedding day. Yes, really.
