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    The Castle of Otranto
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    The Castle of Otranto
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    The Castle of Otranto
    Ebook146 pages2 hours

    The Castle of Otranto

    By Horace Walpole

    3/5

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    About this ebook

    Generally regarded as the first gothic novel, the initial 1764 edition purported to be a translation based on a manuscript printed at Naples in 1529 and recently rediscovered in the library of "an ancient Catholic family in the north of England". The Castle of Otranto tells the story of Manfred, lord of the castle, and his family, and the ancient prophecy "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."
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherJPM Ediciones
    Release dateJan 26, 2012
    ISBN9788493930783
    Author

    Horace Walpole

    Horace Walpole (1717-1797) was an English writer, art historian, Whig politician, and a man of letters, a group of intellectuals dedicated to solving society’s problems. As the youngest son of a prime minister, Walpole was born into a noble family and became an Earl in 1791. Long before that, Walpole was an elected member of parliament, where he represented the Whig party for thirteen years. Because Walpole’s house, called Strawberry Hill, had its own printing press, he was able to enjoy a prolific writing career, publishing many works of fiction and nonfiction. Walpole has been credited for creating the gothic literary genre with his novel The Castle of Otranto.

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    Reviews for The Castle of Otranto

    3/5

    790 ratings49 reviews

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    • 2/5
      From BadelyngeManfred is having a really bad day. No really, he's having a really, really bad day. It all starts with his son being crushed to death by a gigantic helmet that falls out of the sky. And his day is going to get much worse.The Castle of Otranto was written in 1764 by Horace Walpole. So many times I have heard the name of this book being dropped by literary historians citing its place as the forerunner to the gothic novel, works that would include author's such as Poe, Stoker and Du Maurier. In fact the book is little more than fluff that just happens to contain a castle and a penchant for the romantic, the unlikely and the plain ridiculous.
    • 3/5
      I found The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole to be an odd yet entertaining story about a tyrant knight called Manfred, Prince of Otranto, and his family. Considered to be the father of Gothic romance fiction this fantasy is set in the middle ages, and is peopled by characters experiencing strong emotional and psychological distress. The story develops around a supernatural event that occurs at the beginning of the story and causes the death of Manfred’s only son and heir. Unfolding in a castle that comes with underground passages, sealed vaults, and trap doors, my favorite part of the story was when the young Princess Isabella, fearful for her virtue, is running away from Manfred through the dark and haunted castle.In a melodramatic yet playful manner the story has the evil usurper, the noble yet humble rightful heir, two virtuous princesses and a host of other characters running around the Castle of Otranto confronting vanishing giants, pieces of enormous armour, moving artwork and each other.This deceptively simple story deals with issues of inheritance, power and morality and religion. It is important to remember that this novel is the first of its kind and the plot, which appears overworked and familiar today is, indeed, the first of it’s kind and did cause quite a sensation in it’s day.
    • 3/5
      Taken in the context of when it was written, and the fact that it was new to the genre, I can advise that it’s wortwhile reading it. I found it entertaining overall even if it was so,ewhat difficult because of the way dialogue is embeshed within paragraphs- one has to pay continuous attention to follow who is saying what.However, I could not but find many of the passages hilarious, partly because of the extreme situations kn which the characters are placed.
    • 5/5
      Said by some (like W. S. Lewis) to be the first Gothic novel in English literature, this 1674 novel offers every element now considered to be characteristic of Gothic horror. Here, Walpole set the standard for supernatural armour, furtive friars, family curses, and things that go bump in the castle vaults!
    • 2/5
      The evil prince Manfred plots to marry his deceased son's fiancé but is thwarted. This is the ancestor of all gothic novels. Poor prose, but it does move at a steady pace for the 18th Century. Best read for a course requirement. I have no idea of which edition I read in 1971, but the information relates to the current Oxford paperback edition.
    • 3/5
      Considered a gothic masterpiece, I found this to be a clever little novel of a crumbling monarchy in it's final days. You can certainly see how it influenced later works of both fantasy and more conventional literature. A number of convoluted machinations, some patent villainy, lots of life-changing revelations, and just a few hints of the supernatural. I honestly could have done with a little less of the domestic implosion of the household and a little more of the fantastical elements, but it is what it is. My one major complaint is the dialogue is not formatted in the modern style of quotation marks and individually indented paragraphs, separated only by commas, periods and dashes, somewhat inconsistently too, making it somewhat tricky to read, though I managed well enough once I found the conversational rhythm in each passage.
    • 5/5
      This is a gem of an early (1764) Gothic novel. There are some moments of genuine horror and a tense drive to the plot. Great stuff and the ending is very downbeat.
    • 3/5
      Crazy story about a giant knights parts showing up in a cursed castle.
    • 4/5
      I wanted to read a gothic novel to help me better understand what Jane Austen is satirizing in Northanger Abbey. I picked The Castle of Otranto purely because it was the shortest.The book (published in 1764) starts with an introduction from Horace Walpole explaining that this is an English translation he has made of an Italian manuscript dating from 1529; however the introduction makes clear that it's possible that the original work was in fact written much earlier. Walpole also states his belief that the story he has translated is based on truth and events that must have really taken place In fact, none of this was true; it was written in English by Horace Walpole in the 18th century, but at the time it was considered much more worthwhile to read a true story than a fictional one. Interestingly the wikipedia article on the book seems to indicate that the work was critically quite well received until Walpole 'fessed up and admitted he'd made up the whole thing when all the critics promptly decided that it was worthless fluff.Once you're past the introduction this gothic tale kicks off with someone being crushed to death by a giant helmet:"he beheld his child dashed to pieces, and almost buried under an enormous helmet, an hundred times more large than any casque ever made for human being, and shaded with a proportionate quantity of black feathers"Right.All the other gothic staples are included of course; innocent virgins, noble knights, princes in disguise, incest, duels, gloomy castles and ghosts. It was difficult for me to take this book as seriously as I assume the original 18th century readers took it. Most of the scenes which are presumably supposed to be scary seem ridiculous to a modern reader (death by giant helmet being the prime example). There are also a lot of scenes which I think may have been intended to be comic as the introduction notes that 'some persons may perhaps think the characters of the domestics too little serious for the general cast of the story'; there were some wonderful scenes very reminiscent of Shakespeare where the domestics were constantly interrupting each other or wandering from the point to the infuriation of their lords and ladies.Ultimately, this was a short, enjoyable if somewhat strange read. Reading the free kindle version I definitely felt the lack of any explanatory notes to help me put this work in context but I think it was worth reading even so as it's given me a better understanding of Northanger Abbey.
    • 3/5
      This book must be read in the knowledge that it is more than 250 years old. It is the original Gothic fiction. The story is somewhat gripping, although the dialogue is not punctuated as we would now expect, making you think twice about who is saying what at times. The spectre of the giant knight seems to fade away at the end, almost like the let-down from bad B-grade special effects but in literary form. I felt like every character actually liked to ball their eyes out every few minutes, too. But, taken in context, it is an enjoyable read. Only don't read the introduction and avoid checking the notes at every instance. Like many classic, the introduction, prefaces and notes are now longer than the story itself. It had to be read, and now it is done. If you are a fan of Gothic, then this is like what Evil Dead is to modern horror, or what Sherlock Holmes is to the modern detective story.
    • 4/5
      The original gothic novel, this reads preposterously if you don't know its pedigree. Gigantic elements of armour appear in the story without warning (though they are warnings in themselves), crushing the hapless and frightening other characters who respond as anyone might when faced with such inexplicable events: horror, shock, dismay, fear. It's the meshing of these that brought this novel lasting acclaim, however ridiculous its events now appear to a modern reader. I'm afraid I laughed in a few places I wasn't supposed to, but with a better understanding came a greater appreciation. It's a comfortably short read, and at least an interesting curiosity.
    • 2/5
      I tried, just could not make hide nor hair of it. I got the jist of the story, but either I just found it simply too boring or missed a crucial element somewhere along the line.Of course I can see how gothic after was inspired by this, but I was expecting something a bit different.I loved the settings but just did not connect with any of the characters.
    • 3/5
      Not the most memorable of novels. It's three years since I read it yet even skimming other people's reviews and the synopsis hasn't jogged my memory!Well, I gave it three stars after finishing the book, so must've liked it, though clearly it's left no impression on me.
    • 3/5
      Read on serial reader. A classic early gothic novel, this is very dated. But somehow it is so bad it is kind of good. The mystical is not explained, characters are killed off left and right, and surprises abound.I am not even clear where this is supposed to take place--England, or generic continental Europe?
    • 2/5
      A castle and abbey with secret tunnels. A dark landscape, lecherous villains, supernatural visions, a hero with a secret lineage, and beautiful and imperiled women (with a tendency toward the hysterical).What more can you ask for :)As an exploration of the history of literature this “granddaddy” of the gothic novel is interesting and a lot of fun. This is not my favorite genre at all - and the plot is so contrived that you want to laugh - and do laugh a lot of times.This is the kind of literature Catherine Morland loves in Northanger Abbey - as she asks in anticipation of yet another thrilling read: “Is it really horrid?”. Yes, Catherine. It is indeed.
    • 3/5
      I can appreciate the impact that Horace Walpole's "The Castle of Otranto" had on storytelling and literature, but it's a novel that certainly hasn't aged well. Considered the first Gothic novel, it weaves together a terrific tale of tragedy with supernatural elements just accepted by everyone as real.The story centers around a prince named Manfred, the villain of the piece, and the tragedies that befall his family because his grandfather usurped the throne. There are romantic elements, including a fight between two girls over a future husband as well as plenty of fainting and coincidences to propel the story along.I found the plot interesting, even while rolling my eyes at the characters' reactions. This is a definitely a book that I'm glad I read just for the history behind it, rather than for the story itself.
    • 1/5
      Halfway through the story, a young peasant says, "I am no impostor, my Lord, nor have I deserved opprobrious language. I answered to every question your Highness put to me last night with the same veracity that I shall speak now: and that will not be from fear of your tortures, but because my soul abhors a falsehood. Please to repeat your questions, my Lord; I am ready to give you all the satisfaction in my power."

      WTF? I can only assume that this melodrama is a joke, for it is so elaborately ridiculous that any other conclusion is impossible. As a joke, it is funny but rather too long. Near the end, the main "villain" stabs his daughter in the heart. She has a chapter-long death scene, during which there is a lot of fainting, shouting, long expostulations of heritage, and really awful "old-timey" language. The very last paragraph details how her lover and her foster sister end up marrying so they can share their "meloncholy" till the end of their days.
    • 5/5
      The last third of this novel just blew me away. In it, all of the main characters kept turning up in unexpected places doing and saying unexpected things with unexpected results until an ancient prophesy was fulfilled. That part of the book alone was jaw-dropping!
    • 2/5
      Summary: When the Lord of Otranto's only son is killed on the morning of his wedding day (crushed by a giant metal helmet that appeared out of nowhere, no less), the Lord begins to scheme. In a desperate attempt to secure more heirs, he pursues Isabella, his son's promised bride. She (understandably) flees in terror, aided by a young villager, and so begins several days of terror and unbelievable happenings, complete with walking portraits, giant swords, black knights, secret tunnels, long-lost sons, mysterious prophecies, deathbed confessions, and love at first sight.Review: Holy cow. People used to read this? This is the highest form of melodrama, coupled with a bizarre kind of ghost story, and all rendered in prose so overwrought and purple that it's approaching ultraviolet. I couldn't ever get into the story because I kept thinking "....really?!?", and there was so much wailing and clutching at clothing that I never sympathized with any of the characters, either. I understand that the over-done and over-emphasized version of *everything* was the style, and that by reading this out of context and out of its time, I'm almost certainly judging it by an unfair set of standards. But MY GOD, everything about this was just So Much - so much drama, so many plot twists, so many coincidences and strange unexplained happenings, so many epiphanies and raging emotions and Dramatic Speeches - that it wound up feeling like a high school drama production. I feel like Shakespeare would have read this and been like "Damn, that's a lot of melodrama. Now let me go see if I can squeeze another death into the end of Hamlet." 2 out of 5 stars.Recommendation: It didn't do much for me, but I'm a total Philistine and I read it totally devoid of any historic context. Those who are better-versed in the literary period than I am will almost definitely have an easier time of things.
    • 4/5
      The original Gothic novel sets a standard of melodrama that soap operas would be proud to follow. And I say that in a good way. With hidden sons, love triangles, returning from the dead and ghosts and giants abounding, this quick read is good for a glimpse into what shaped the Gothic era of writing. Not wanting to say too much about the plot, since the story is only 92 pages long, I'll try to summarize it the best I can. Manfred, the current inhabitant of Otranto, is living according to a legacy that the true owner will come and take it from him. In an effort to prevent that, he decides that he must align himself with the rival family by marriage. Of course, nothing goes as planned.If you're interested in Gothic literature, why not read the source? It's quick, it's easy, and it's bound to entertain you.
    • 3/5
      Interesting as part of English literary history, but not much else. Manfred is the usurper of Otranto. His son is killed by a huge helmet that falls on him--God definitely giving Manfred a hint. But Manfred isn't listening. He decides he needs a new wife to give him a new son, and thereby sets in action his own downfall. Surprisingly, he lives, though he does (along the way) murder his daughter. The rightful heir of Otranto takes possession. All ends . . . not quite happily . . . but things are set to right.
    • 4/5
      Brilliantly original at the time of its publication in the eighteenth century, The Castle of Otranto is distinguished as being the first work of Gothic fiction. It has always been the recipient of mixed reviews. It’s worth bearing in mind the enormous fun Horace Walpole had in writing the novel; the humor in it seems sadly lost on many readers and critics. It is at once thrilling, funny and puzzling but remains a joy to read in the twenty first century. I recommend the Penguin Classics edition which contains sufficient notes and supplementary text necessary for a proper appreciation of the work.
    • 3/5
      3 StarsI read this one for my British Literature class. The Prince of Otranto, Manfred, arranges the marriage of his 15 yr old son, Conrad, to Princess Isabella. An unfortunate event on the wedding day, in the form of a huge falling helmet from the sky, kills poor Conrad. Instead of sending Isabella back home, Manfred decides he will marry her, since his wife hasn't produced a suitable heir for him. Of course, Isabella is completely against that.This is the original gothic novel. And being such, is filled with castles, underground tunnels, ghostly activity, and a prophecy. I thought this book was a fast fun read. Some of its over dramatic bits were hilarious, including the line "Ah me, I am slain" -- just wonderful. It was easier to read than I thought, with it being written well over 200 yrs ago. The story also moved nice and fast, instead of getting hung up on trivial details like so many modern novels do.
    • 5/5
      The Castle of Oranto describes a tyrant of a father that wants to have an heir to ensure that his property stays within the family. However, this tyrant actually was the recipient of the land through unlawful means. There is a supernatural curse upon the family that states whenever the true heir of the lands becomes too big then the tyrant would be overthrown. The first catastrophe that happens is the only son of the tyrant is slain on his wedding day. Along with this discovery is a gigantic helmet. The tyrant then decides that he is going to divorce his wife and marry the woman that he had secured for his son. When he divulges this plan to the bride to be (Isabella), she flees the castle for the church on the property. A peasant is charged with the murder of the tyrant’s son, but gets away and helps Isabella escape. A chase ensues. The tyrant looks for Isabella, but finds the peasant. At this time, his servants swear they see a giant foot. The story then has many more twists and turns until almost everyone dies, or is about to die. It was very entertaining. I think I have found a new/old genre to enjoy. As a gothic novel, it has a supernatural aspect (the giant), a lady in distress (actually all of them are at some point in time), and the whole story takes place in a castle that has endless mazes, a haunted forest with caves, and a few hidden passages. The book is very suspenseful and a little overdramatic, especially in dealings with love, jealousy, and possible death.
    • 2/5
      The original soap opera. It takes place in Italy, over the course of a few days. There is a young peasant of noble blood, Theodore, a princess who is more virtuous than reality allows (Matilda) a villan with a good heart who is paying for the crimes of his grandfather (Manfred) and a daughter and a father who are rightful heirs to the land of Otranto. It's pretty humourous, the outlandish dialogue and events. There are ghosts and saints that are interceding on behalf of Isabelle and Frederic, so that Manfred and his family are punished according to biblical justice. There is no happy ending - Manfred kills his daughter on mistake - he thought it was Isabelle who he wanted to marry in order to ensure sons and his claim to the throne. Theodore was in love with Matilda, after only a few hours of acquaintance, and he marries Isabelle so that they can spend the rest of their days missing her together. Bizzarre, but obviously the origin of many genres. Also nice and short!
    • 3/5
      An interesting, if short, introduction to the Gothic genre. Included are all the classic elements- mysterious characters, long lost children, giant's armour and legs, sudden death, cruel tyrants, caves, secret passageways, and peasants who are more than they seem. Oh yes, and portraits walk around too...
    • 2/5
      Granting that this book has an important place in popular literature; granting that it influenced 'Gothic' writing for decades, and that its echoes can be heard today, granting all this, unless this is assigned to you in some class, don't waste your time. I have read other early Gothic novels, The Monk, Melmoth the Wanderer, Frankenstein, etc., and crude as they were they were light years ahead of Otranto. Spare yourself. Two stars for its historical curiosity, nothing else.
    • 4/5
      Absolutely over the top and more wonderful for it, READ THE TWO INTRODUCTIONS, it makes all the difference in the world, especially if you know the different reactions from his audiences. I had to read this book for a class and ended up keeping it instead of turning it in.Credited as being the first of the Gothic horror genre, Walpole hits many of the stereotypes (the damsel in distress, the Pagan curse handed down through Christian generations, etc) and thumbs his nose at others. I don't even like Gothic fiction and I kept this book.
    • 4/5
      This story is often cited as the first/one of the first gothic novels, but it's hard to believe since even at this early date it already reads like pastiche. Far from being predictable archetypes, the main characters are constantly upsetting our expectations: the pure, steadfast maiden turns out to be gossip-y and backstabbing, the gallant hero tries to save the maiden and winds up accidentally stabbing her father, the pious friar turns out to be weak and self-serving... Certainly not what I was expecting from a "classic" gothic novel. Other than that, I don't know that I'd call Otranto a masterpiece, but it's definitely an interesting historical document.
    • 2/5
      Oh Transport! Man, this book is a freaking lark. I can see how it's beautiful histrionics made for a smashing harliquenade. As Walpole said, "Everybody who takes this book seriously has been duped." Lovely.