The Castle of Otranto and the Man of Feeling, A Longman Cultural Edition

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Horace Walpole • Henry Mackenzie The Castle of Otranto and The Man of Feeling A Longman Cultural Edition

Editor: Laura Mandell Series Editor: Susan J. Wolfson

Affordably priced, Longman Cultural Editions present classic works in provocative and illuminating contexts–cultural, critical, and literary. Each Longman Cultural Edition consists of the complete text of a key literary work, supplemented by helpful annotations and followed by contextual materials that reveal the conversations and controversies of its historical moment.


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Community Reviews

Rating(3.2 / 5.0, 5 votes)
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5 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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Great fun!

Fun is an essential part of our lives. It brings joy, excitement, and a sense of fulfillment. Whether it's engaging in a favorite hobby, spending time with friends and family, or trying out new experiences, having fun allows us to relax and forget about the stresses of daily life.

There are countless ways to have fun. Some people enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or playing sports. Others prefer indoor pursuits such as reading, painting, or playing video games. And then there are those who love to socialize and have fun at parties, concerts, or other events.

No matter what your idea of fun is, it's important to make time for it in your life. Having fun not only makes us feel good in the moment, but it can also have a positive impact on our mental and physical health. So go ahead and embrace the fun! Do something that makes you happy and enjoy the moment.
July 15,2025
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Gothic literature presents an interesting and unique world.

It often features elements such as mystery, the supernatural, and a sense of foreboding.

The storylines can be overly dramatic, which some may find captivating, while others, like myself, may not be a fan of this style.

I recently read "THE CASTLE OF OTRANTO," which is a classic example of gothic literature.

Although I didn't particularly enjoy the way it was written, it does offer a great opportunity for analysis.

Aspects such as gender roles and the portrayal of the supernatural can be explored in depth.

By examining these elements, we can gain a better understanding of the cultural and social context in which the literature was produced.

Overall, while I may not be a lover of gothic literature, I recognize its importance and the valuable insights it can provide.
July 15,2025
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This edition is composed of two concise 18th-century novels, accompanied by a touch of criticism and cultural background.

I borrowed it as I desired to read The Castle of Otranto, the very first "gothic novel." I preferred that one significantly more than The Man of Feeling due to its gothic and supernatural elements.

The language was not overly challenging to read, and someone had made annotations in the margins. However, most of her annotations were merely exclamatory responses to her aversion to the personalities of the characters.

The second book was more arduous for me to peruse because of the flowery language and the discontinuity of the narrative.

There were some intriguing aspects at the conclusion of the book. I found the notes on the Hardwicke Act most fascinating, and there were also several excerpts from Burke.

Overall, this edition provided an interesting glimpse into the literature and culture of the 18th century.
July 15,2025
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These texts hold significant importance as they mark the beginnings of their respective genres.

Particularly, "Otranto" stands as the founder of the Gothic Romance genre. It has a captivating plot that pulls the reader right through, creating a sense of mystery and excitement.

"The Man of Feeling" belongs to the sentimental genre. While it may not necessarily be the founder of this genre, it is evident how it influenced later writers such as Scott and Shelley.

This novel contains many thought-provoking bits that require careful consideration. However, it is difficult to clearly discern where Mackenzie stands in all the commentary and what exactly he critiques within this novel.

Overall, both of these texts offer valuable insights into the development and characteristics of their genres, and continue to be studied and analyzed by scholars and enthusiasts alike.
July 15,2025
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Tremendous!

Here is a lovely story that is filled with ghosts, secret tunnels, spooky prophecies, and familial intrigue on a cathedral-like scale. It's a cross between Shakespeare and Swift. Walpole writes with such levity and brevity, proving that you don't need an overwrought usage of words to tell a good story. In this case, he effectively conveys the complex hereditary lineages of medieval aristocracy and its gradual descent into the mausoleum that is modernity.

I think we could take a page from Walpole. We could use more omnipotent narrators who can provide a comprehensive view of the story. We could also adopt his style of quick yet potent writing, which grabs the reader's attention and keeps them engaged. Additionally, we should not be afraid to include stories that represent the fanatical and supernatural to move the plot forward.

By following these principles, we can create stories that are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking and engaging.
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