The Castle of Otranto

Preview

Failed to add items

Sorry, we are unable to add the item because your shopping cart is already at capacity.

Add to basket failed.

Please try again later

Add to wishlist failed.

Please try again later

Remove from wishlist failed.

Please try again later

Adding to library failed

Please try again

Follow podcast failed

Unfollow podcast failed

Get 30 days of Standard free

£5.99/mo after trial. Cancel monthly.

Try for £0.00

More purchase options

The Castle of Otranto

By: Horace Walpole

Narrated by: Tony Jay

Try for £0.00

£5.99 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for £9.33

Season's Savings | £0.99/mo for 3 months

£5.99/mo after 3 months - terms apply. Cancel monthly

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.

(P)2006 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Horace WalpoleTony JayBlackstone Publishing

Classics

European

Fiction

Genre Fiction

Gothic

Horror

Literary Fiction

Literary History & Criticism

World Literature

Scary

Classics European Fiction Genre Fiction Gothic Horror Literary Fiction Literary History & Criticism World Literature Scary

Critic reviews

“Narrator Tony Jay’s deep, resonant voice is perfectly suited to the gothic trappings of this romance. His subtle characterizations, including a deft handling of the three women at the heart of the story, make the dialogue easy to follow. For best results, listen to this recording in a cold, damp dungeon.”

(AudioFile)

“In reviving this largely forgotten tale in audio format, Blackstone deserves credit for recognizing that it—like any classic ghost story—is at its best when read well out loud. Jay’s sonorous, menacing voice and expressive, fast paced performance so heighten the aura of evil that listeners can easily focus on the action.”

(Kliatt)

“The merging of romance and realist conventions into a form which would later be designated ‘Gothic’ inspired several subsequent generations of writers.”

(Oxford University Press)

“To The Castle Otranto we owe nothing less than a revolution in public taste, and its influence is strong even at present day.”

(Montague Summers, author of The Gothic Quest)

Most relevant

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.