Description

Book Synopsis
The founding work of Gothic fiction

On the day of his wedding, Conrad, heir to the house of Otranto, is killed in mysterious circumstances. His calculating father Manfred fears that his dynasty will now come to an end and determines to marry his son's bride himself - despite the fact he is already married. But a series of terrifying supernatural omens soon threaten this unlawful union, as the curse placed on Manfred's ancestor, who usurped the lawful Prince of Otranto, begins to unfold. First published pseudonymously in 1764, purporting to be an ancient Italian text from the time of the crusades, The Castle of Otranto is a founding work of Gothic fiction. With its compelling blend of sinister portents, tempestuous passions and ghostly visitations, it spawned an entire literary tradition and influenced such writers as Ann Radcliffe and Bram Stoker.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speakin

The Castle of Otranto Penguin Classics

    Product form

    £9.25

    Includes FREE delivery

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Sat 13 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Horace Walpole, Michael Gamer, Michael Gamer

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of The Castle of Otranto Penguin Classics by Horace Walpole

      Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
      Publication Date: 27/09/2001
      ISBN13: 9780140437676, 978-0140437676
      ISBN10: 0140437673
      Also in:
      Fiction

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      The founding work of Gothic fiction

      On the day of his wedding, Conrad, heir to the house of Otranto, is killed in mysterious circumstances. His calculating father Manfred fears that his dynasty will now come to an end and determines to marry his son's bride himself - despite the fact he is already married. But a series of terrifying supernatural omens soon threaten this unlawful union, as the curse placed on Manfred's ancestor, who usurped the lawful Prince of Otranto, begins to unfold. First published pseudonymously in 1764, purporting to be an ancient Italian text from the time of the crusades, The Castle of Otranto is a founding work of Gothic fiction. With its compelling blend of sinister portents, tempestuous passions and ghostly visitations, it spawned an entire literary tradition and influenced such writers as Ann Radcliffe and Bram Stoker.

      For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speakin

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account