Ease Reading-Find Your Next Favorite Book

Hot Search

The Castle of Otranto

tony jay (narrator) horace walpole tony jay

... Show More
On the day of his wedding, Conrad, heir to the house of Otranto, is killed under 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 1765, The Castle of Otranto purported to be an ancient Italian text from the time of the crusades and 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.

4 pages, Audio CD

First published January 1,1764
Places
otranto, italy, prabhat prakashan, 

This edition

Format
4 pages, Audio CD
Published
May 1, 2006 by Blackstone Audiobooks
ISBN
9780786170258
ASIN
0786170255
Language
English
Characters More characters

More editions

About the author

Profile Image for tony jay (narrator) horace walpole

tony jay (narrator) horace walpole

... Show More

Readers also enjoyed

Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
36(36%)
4 stars
37(37%)
3 stars
27(27%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Xannot
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More


The Castle of Otranto is often regarded as the first gothic novel, shoveling loads of gothicness with a daft plot and formulaic characters. Horace Walpole consciously attempts to create a new genre by combining the new romance style of eighteenth-century novels and the older tradition of fantastical tales. He also introduces a number of gothic tropes for the first time. There are strange and eerie goings-on, things that go bump in the night, rapacious and predatory men, beautiful and endangered heroines, and a touch of ghostliness. Walpole uses the Shakespearean idea of making the ghost the teller of truth.
However, it's really a case of nice ideas, but a shame about the plot. The story revolves around Manfred, the Lord of the Castle of Otranto, his long-suffering wife Hippolita, his son and heir Conrad (who is killed in the first chapter by an oversized helmet, setting the stage for the whole dreary tale), Conrad's intended Isabella, who becomes the object of Manfred's lascivious intentions once he realizes he is heirless, Matilda, Manfred's daughter, Theodore, a mysterious peasant who keeps popping up at opportune moments and isn't all he seems, Father Jerome, a cleric who also isn't all he seems, Bianca, the comic relief servant (it seems Walpole had read too much Shakespeare!), and finally Frederic, a mysterious knight who turns up to reveal a secret.
As you may have sensed, it didn't really engage me, apart from being an interesting period piece. The plot meanders along, and some loose ends are tied up, with the odd untimely death and the realization that, as always, the rich can get away with murder. While it is groundbreaking, later attempts at gothic literature, such as those by Mary Shelley, are much better.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Gabe_Aguilar519
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
This is the original Gothic novel, and any claims about its merit need to be contextualized because it founded a genre.

While it might not be the best Gothic novel, it represents a literary innovation. The Castle of Otranto serves as a founding document, marking a pivotal moment in the history of English literature. Its publication in 1764 by Horace Walpole spawned a slew of imitators and cultural fascination with the macabre, supernatural, and suspenseful elements that became the hallmarks of Gothic literature.

The characters in The Castle of Otranto may be somewhat wooden and psychologically unrealistic, and the plot may appear labyrinthine and contrived, relying on several coincidences to propel the narrative forward. The style itself feels rushed and unpolished. However, these imperfections do not diminish the novel's significance.

The Castle of Otranto's lasting impact lies in its role as the catalyst for an entire literary movement. It laid the groundwork for classics like Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Bram Stoker's Dracula. By introducing mysterious castles, ancestral curses, ghostly apparitions, and a sense of impending doom, The Castle of Otranto established a template that would captivate readers up until the present day.

Moreover, this groundbreaking novel exerts a gravitational pull on the reader, compelling them to continue reading to find out what happens next. Its ability to create suspense and intrigue has ensured its enduring popularity. While subsequent Gothic novels may have refined the genre's conventions and storytelling techniques, The Castle of Otranto remains an essential touchstone, forever embedded in literary history as the work that sparked the Gothic revolution.

It is truly remarkable how a single novel could have such a profound and far-reaching influence. The Castle of Otranto opened the door to a new world of literary exploration, one that was filled with mystery, horror, and the unknown. It inspired countless authors to follow in its footsteps and create their own works of Gothic fiction.

Even today, the Gothic genre continues to thrive, with new works being published all the time. And at the heart of it all is The Castle of Otranto, the novel that started it all.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Neku_Tennyson
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More

Reading a work written in 1764 was a rather interesting experience. I think it beautifully reflects the conversations of that era. Frankly, I liked the book and I would recommend it.


The language used in the work gives us a glimpse into the way people communicated back then. It is filled with unique expressions and turns of phrase that add to its charm. As I delved deeper into the pages, I found myself transported to a different time and place.


The story itself was engaging and held my attention from start to finish. It presented characters and situations that were both relatable and thought-provoking. I was able to gain a better understanding of the social and cultural context of the 18th century through this book.


If you have an interest in history or literature, I highly suggest giving this work a try. It offers a fascinating perspective and is sure to enrich your reading experience.

0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Tibarn
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More

Con 'El castillo de Otranto' (The Castle of Otranto, 1764), the so-called Gothic literature was inaugurated. There are enchanted castles, dungeons, sinister corridors, crypts, damsels in distress, dastardly villains, knights who rescue them, specters, betrayals, love, and so on. It should be mentioned that Horace Walpole initially chose not to sign the novel with his real name, something that changed in the second edition after the success of the work.


The story begins when the wedding between Conrad, the son of Prince Manfred, the lord of Otranto, and Lady Isabella is being prepared. But then, out of nowhere, a giant helmet appears and falls on Conrad, causing his death. From here, a whole series of setbacks will be unleashed, always with the ghostly presence of that mysterious and spectral armor.


Seen from our days, perhaps 'El castillo de Otranto' seems naïve, especially in what concerns its characters, but it has to be placed in its time. For me, it has been interesting and entertaining. It offers a unique glimpse into the literary trends and imagination of the 18th century. The vivid descriptions of the castle and its spooky surroundings create an atmosphere that is both chilling and captivating. Although the characters may not be as complex as those in modern literature, they still manage to engage the reader and draw them into the story. Overall, 'El castillo de Otranto' is an important work that has had a significant impact on the development of Gothic literature and continues to be enjoyed by readers today.

0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Gabatron085
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
This book is widely regarded as the first English Gothic novel. In fact, I believe it is one of the oldest books I have ever read!

However, I would not recommend this book to anyone simply for the reading experience. There are numerous far better books out there. But Gothic literature has always held a special place in my heart as one of my favorite genres. Many famous books have been written by authors who drew inspiration from this very work. So, for its literary value alone, this book is worth a read. Additionally, it is a relatively short book.

In this story, we are introduced to Manfred, the lord of the Castle of Ontrato. It is the day of his son Conrad's marriage to Isabella. Tragically, some dark forces claim the life of his only son. Furious that his throne now lacks an heir, Manfred devises a plan to marry the young Isabella himself. She manages to flee the castle with the assistance of a farmer who had been imprisoned in the cellar. The man is apprehended and sentenced to be beheaded. At that critical moment, Manfred's daughter Mathilda catches sight of him. They develop feelings for each other, and she saves his life. The story is filled with elements such as ghosts, a dark castle, supernatural entities, a brutish lord, damsels in distress, and a charming peasant named Theodore!

Admittedly, this book is not particularly outstanding in terms of its story and characters. It lacks a certain vitality. Nevertheless, if you have an interest in learning about the book that paved the way for the Gothic horror/romance genre, then it is certainly worth giving it a try.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Maxxzs
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
The Castle of Otranto was truly a revolutionary work, much like The Blair Witch Project in 1999. It popularized the Gothic genre, just as Blair Witch did for the "found footage" horror trope. What's interesting is that Otranto even employed a "found footage" gimmick in its first edition, pretending the manuscript was centuries old and unearthed from an ancient Catholic family's library, and had to be translated from Italian. The "translator" wrote a lengthy introduction with his theories about the story's authenticity and the author's aims. Publishing it anonymously and with a pseudonym was more than a trendy move. The novel's content was so different from the common reading of the time that Walpole was concerned about public backlash or being laughed off the shelves. But instead, it became a bestseller. Walpole took full credit in the second edition and added the subtitle "A Gothic Story." The Gothic ideology was a fascinating combination of a new appreciation for medieval Europe's Goths and Edmund Burke's philosophy of the "sublime." The Whigs, a political party Walpole was active in, also identified with this ideology. All these factors contributed to the atmosphere in which Walpole wrote his 100-page novel of terror, romance, and mystery. I like The Castle of Otranto, despite warnings that modern audiences might find it "ludicrous" and "unreadable." The first chapter is captivating, with a wedding day from hell. Isabella's groom is crushed by a huge helmet, and her father-in-law turns tyrant. Isabella flees, encountering various spooky elements. The story has a lot of drama, but the lack of paragraph breaks and mushed-together dialogue can be confusing. Once you get used to the style, it's not too bad. However, some of the plot threads may seem cliché or laughable after so many imitations over the years. Still, the original holds up, and at 100 pages, it's a quick read. I wouldn't call it essential reading for everyone, but it's a good time for those who love Gothic literature or are interested in history. Researching this book has led me down many rabbit holes and taught me about topics I never knew I was interested in. I recommend the Oxford World's Classics edition for its introduction and commentary. Has anyone else read this? What did you think? Follow for more reviews of the obscure and unusual.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Gamorou
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
Ugh, this book.

If I hadn't had to read this for university, I would not have managed it past the first page!

I've seen a lot of 4 and 5 star reviews of this book. Why, I don't understand. This is considered one of the best Gothic fiction novels, but all it did was bore me.

Then it really pissed me off. 'It is not ours to make election for ourselves; heaven, our fathers, and our husbands, must decide for us.' I just wanted to grab Hippolita and shake her while screaming GET.A.GRIP. I’m so glad women aren't like this anymore. Spineless and blindly following orders of the men around them. Theodore was the only one who stood up to anyone, then again he was a man not a woman.

The writing style. God the writing style. It was just so hard to follow what was happening and who was speaking. This was made even harder by the fact that I kept losing concentration and having to re-read parts because I just wanted the damn book to end!

Hopefully some of the other books on the course will be better because I was really looking forward to Gothic Fictions this year. I was excited to explore the dark and mysterious world of Gothic literature, but this book has really let me down. I'm hoping that the next book will be more engaging, with a better plot and more interesting characters. Maybe then I'll be able to understand why Gothic fiction is so popular.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
theangrytoonnerd
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
During an interview, I placed this book on my shelf.

The reason is that I suddenly realized that I hadn't included any of the classics.

This rather surreal novel is regarded as the originator of gothic fiction.

Although it's not my personal favorite, that doesn't imply that you shouldn't give it a read.

In fact, it holds a significant place in the history of literature.

It has influenced countless other works and writers.

By reading it, you can gain a deeper understanding of the development and evolution of gothic fiction.

Even if it may not immediately appeal to you, it's still worth exploring for the sake of broadening your literary horizons.

You might be surprised by what you discover within its pages.

So, don't let the fact that it's not my favorite deter you from experiencing this classic for yourself.
0 0 Reply
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.