The Castle of Otranto (eBook)

Horace Walpole (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
98 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654738931-6 (EAN)

Infos

Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto is a groundbreaking work in the realm of Gothic literature, setting the foundation for the genre with its elements of suspense, supernatural occurrences, and melodramatic plot twists. Published in 1764, the novel tells the story of the mysterious and eerie events that unfold within the walls of the castle, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Walpole's use of intricate descriptions and vivid imagery add to the haunting tone of the narrative, captivating readers with its gothic allure. The Castle of Otranto stands as a seminal work that has influenced countless authors in the Gothic tradition, making it a must-read for those interested in the development of the genre.

Autor

Horace Walpole (1717–1797) was an English writer, art historian, man of letters, and politician, most famous for penning 'The Castle of Otranto,' a work that is widely regarded as the first Gothic novel, thus instigating a literary genre that would flourish in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born into privilege as the son of the first British Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, Horace was well-educated at Eton and King's College, Cambridge. His literary contributions extend beyond 'The Castle of Otranto' (1764) with volumes of correspondence that provide a vivid picture of Georgian society, publications on art history, and a miscellany of writings on various subjects. Walpole's 'Otranto' was seminal, its introduction of supernatural elements and medieval setting influencing numerous other works and establishing the hallmarks of the Gothic tradition. His ornate and evocative prose along with his exploration of the sublime and the terrifying set the standard for later Gothic authors such as Ann Radcliffe and Mary Shelley. In addition to his literary achievements, Walpole was also noted for his extravagant gothic revival villa, Strawberry Hill House, which he transformed into a 'little Gothic castle' and which became an inspirational site for the Gothic literary movement he had originated.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 13.11.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Essays / Feuilleton
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Krimi / Thriller / Horror ► Historische Kriminalromane
• Schlagworte: 18th century fiction • 18th century gothic • ancestral curse story • antiquarian influence • British Literature Classics • castle of otranto book • Classic Gothic tales • claustrophobic setting • Frankenstein • Gothic fiction • gothic revivalist • Horace Walpole novels • horror and romance • Jekyll & Hyde • Ken Follett • Literary legacy • macabre narrative • medieval castle setting • Origin of Gothic genre • ornate architecture • Poe • psychological terror • Stephen King • supernatural literature • supernatural prophecy • The Haunting of Hill House • The House Next Door • The Hunchback of Notre-Dame • The Night of the Moths • The Phantom of the Opera