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The Castle of Otranto

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The Castle of Otranto

By: Horace Walpole
Narrated by: Tony Jay
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About this listen

 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 1764, The Castle of Otranto is 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.

(P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc. Classics European Fiction Genre Fiction Gothic Horror Literary Fiction Literary History & Criticism World Literature Scary

Critic reviews

"[Walpole] is the father of the first romance and surely worthy of a higher place than any living writer." (Lord Byron)
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excellent reading, of a poetic if cliche short story, fantastic imagery you'll enjoy it if you dont go in expecting Shakespeare

fantastic reading, and not a bad book

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Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otrando first published in 1764 is considered to be the first gothic novel. In fact when the second edition was published Walpole added the subtitle A Gothic Story. It certainly has all the elements of a gothic novel, it combines a realistic story with that of the supernatural with ghosts and omens. It has recurring themes of violent deaths and terror intertwined with love and is set in a castle with secret passages and trapdoors.

The story itself concerns Manfred, Lord of the castle who’s son Conrad is betrothed to Isabella but just before they are due to marry he is crushed to death by a gigantic helmet. This extroidanary event follows a prophecy that stated “that the castle and lordship of Otranto should pass from the present family, whenever the real owner should be grown too large to inhabit it".

The significance and importance of The Castle of Ortranto is beyond doubt. I have to admit this was the reason I read it, I think it’s the main reason most people do. From that point of view it is an interesting read. The story itself however is convoluted and heavy going. Part of the reason for this is the way it’s structured. It is dialogue driven with most of the action being told using this method. It’s like a medieval farce. At times I thought it was a bit Pythonesque, especially Conrad’s death scene, I think it would fit well in Monty Python and the Holy Grail! In the preface of the second edition Walpole praises the work of Shakespeare and drew connections with his work and the playwright’s. I can see the connection, Walpole seems to have based his book on Hamlet. The core of the stories are the same, a prince struggles to establish his lineage.

The Castle of Ortranto is not the best book you’ll ever read, it isn’t even the best gothic novel. It is a bit of a slog wading through it, but on the plus side it isn’t very long. Its interest lies purely in its historical significance. If you are interested in gothic fiction and it’s origins it’s probably must read.

Heavy going but interesting

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I liked the otherworldliness of this novel. Well and truly transported me to a gothic and fantastical version of the Middle Ages. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in gothic literature.

The narrator was superb!

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Holds up surprisingly well given its age, i found it engaging and interesting and even surprising at the end, so this book ticked a lot of boxes and i loved it, particularly the brooding dark romantic feel of it all

Awesome story

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Loved this wild ride of an OTT classic. And read absolutely perfectly! Cannot praise highly enough!

Best reading of any book ever

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