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Illustrated edition: This special edition of The Castle of Otranto includes stunning illustrations, a detailed summary, an insightful author biography, and a comprehensive list of characters.
The Castle of Otranto, first published in 1764, is widely regarded as the first Gothic novel, setting the foundation for an entire genre of dark, mysterious tales filled with supernatural elements, family secrets, and looming castles. The novel tells the story of Manfred, the lord of Otranto, whose son Conrad is tragically killed on the day of his wedding. Driven by a prophecy that his lineage is doomed to end, Manfred becomes desperate to secure his family's legacy and resorts to increasingly sinister actions, including his obsession with marrying his son's intended bride, Isabella.
The story is a whirlwind of ghostly apparitions, ancient curses, and morally complex characters, making The Castle of Otranto an essential read for fans of Gothic literature. Walpole's blend of the supernatural with intense human emotion introduced themes that would dominate Gothic fiction for centuries.
This illustrated edition breathes new life into Walpole's eerie castle and its haunted halls, while the included summary, biography of Horace Walpole, and character list help readers better understand the intricate relationships and events within the novel. Ideal for both new readers and Gothic fiction enthusiasts, this edition captures the haunting atmosphere of one of the most influential novels in literary history.
