Horatio (Horace) Walpole, 4th Earl of Orford (1717-1797), was an English art historian, man of letters, antiquarian and Whig politician. He was the youngest son of the British Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole.
Walpole was an early enthusiast of the Gothic revival, an archtectural movement looking back to the Middle Ages for inspiration. This enthusiasm also manifested itself in his "Gothic" novel, "The Castle of Otranto."
"The Castle of Otranto" was a huge success and created the literary genre of Gothic literature. By way of books like "The Mysteries of Udolpho," "The Monk,"...
Horatio (Horace) Walpole, 4th Earl of Orford (1717-1797), was an English art historian, man of letters, antiquarian and Whig politician. He was the...
In a faraway medieval realm, Manfred, an arrogant and evil prince, rules with an iron fist. Banishing his wife to the castle dungeon, he confines - and plans to wed - the lovely Isabella, fiancee of his recently deceased son. The prince's plans are foiled, however, when a well-meaning peasant helps the young woman escape through the castle's underground passages. Grisly, supernatural events further aid in fulfilling a prophecy that spells doom for the prince and justice for Isabella's rescuer and rightful heir to the throne. One of the first and greatest of Gothic novels, this thrilling tale...
In a faraway medieval realm, Manfred, an arrogant and evil prince, rules with an iron fist. Banishing his wife to the castle dungeon, he confines - an...
A story of love and betrayal, the count Manfred seeks to marry his brother's widow Isabella who shows little interest in the new king. Manfred tries to persuade her to come out of the church she has taken refuge in when a mysterious army with strange interest in the marriage issue invades Manfred's realm. Who are these strange knights, and who is this Theodore that seeks to protect Isabella within the place she has taken sanctuary?
A story of love and betrayal, the count Manfred seeks to marry his brother's widow Isabella who shows little interest in the new king. Manfred tries t...
The Castle of Otranto is a 1764 novel by Horace Walpole. It is generally regarded as the first gothic novel, initiating a literary genre which would become extremely popular in the later 18th century and early 19th century. The Castle of Otranto tells the story of Manfred, lord of the castle, and his family. The book begins on the wedding-day of his sickly son Conrad and princess Isabella. Shortly before the wedding, however, Conrad is crushed to death by a gigantic helmet that falls on him from above. This inexplicable event is particularly ominous in light of an ancient prophecy "That the...
The Castle of Otranto is a 1764 novel by Horace Walpole. It is generally regarded as the first gothic novel, initiating a literary genre which would b...
Horatio Walpole, 4th Earl of Orford (24 September 1717 - 2 March 1797) - also known as Horace Walpole - was an English art historian, man of letters, antiquarian and Whig politician.
Horatio Walpole, 4th Earl of Orford (24 September 1717 - 2 March 1797) - also known as Horace Walpole - was an English art historian, man of letters, ...