Horace Walpole

Obra que dio origen a la llamada «novela gótica», EL CASTILLO DE OTRANTO comenzó a forjar el tenebroso imaginario formado por ominosos castillos provistos de lúgubres mazmorras, por una naturaleza so

The following work was found in the library of an ancient Catholic family in the north of England. It was printed at Naples, in the black letter, in the year 1529. How much sooner it was written does not appear. The principal incidents are such as were believed in the darkest ages of Christianity; but the language and conduct have nothing that savours of barbarism. The style is the purest Italian.If the story was written near the time when it is supposed to have happened, it must have been between 1095, the era of the first Crusade, and 1243, the date of the last, or not long afterwards. There is no other circumstance in the work that can lead us to guess at the period in which the scene is laid: the names of the actors are evidently fictitious, and probably disguised on purpose: yet the Spanish names of the domestics seem to indicate that this work was not composed until the establishment of the Arragonian Kings in Naples had made Spanish appellations familiar in that country. The beauty of the diction, and the zeal of the author (moderated, however, by singular judgment) concur to make me think that the date of the composition was little antecedent to that of the impression. Letters were then in their most flourishing state in Italy, and contributed to dispel the empire of superstition, at that time so forcibly attacked by the reformers. It is not unlikely that an artful priest might endeavour to turn their own arms on the innovators, and might avail himself of his abilities as an author to confirm the populace in their ancient errors and superstitions. If this was his view, he has certainly acted with signal address. Such a work as the following would enslave a hundred vulgar minds beyond half the books of controversy that have been written from the days of Luther to the present hour.

Considerado el texto inaugural de la literatura de terror gótico, inició un género literario que llegó a ser extremadamente popular a finales del siglo XVIII y principios del XIX. La historia está ambientada en Italia durante la Alta Edad Media y se desarrolla en el castillo que da nombre a la historia, cuyo dueño se cree que fue asesinado en las cruzadas. Manfred usurpó su lugar, pero el Castillo tiene una maldición. Los sucesos no sirven como excusa para exponer un periodo histórico sino que es éste el que se subyuga a los acontecimientos creando la atmósfera más adecuada

Horace Walpole.El castillo de Otranto (The Castle of Otranto, en inglés) es una novela escrita por Horace Walpole en 1764. Es considerado el texto inaugural de la literatura de terror gótico, iniciando un genero literario que llego a ser extremadamente popular a finales del siglo XVIII y principios del XIX.

"The Castle of Otranto", by Horace Walpole, published in 1764, is generally viewed as the first Gothic novel and it is often said to have founded the horror story as a legitimate literary form.It tells the story of Manfred, the prince of Otranto, who is keen to secure the castle for his descendants in the face of a mysterious curse. The novel begins with the death of Manfreds son, Conrad, who is crushed to death by an enormous helmet on the morning of his wedding to the beautiful princess Isabella. Faced with the extinction of his line, Manfred vows to divorce his wife and marry the terrified Isabella himself. The Castle of Otranto blends elements of realist fiction with the supernatural and fantastical, laying down many of the plot devices and character-types that would become typical of the Gothic: secret passages, clanging trapdoors, hidden identities and vulnerable heroines fleeing from men with evil intent. The novel was a success all over Europe, and the poet Thomas Gray commented in a letter to Walpole that it made some of us cry a little, and all in general afraid to go to bed onights.

First published pseudonymously in 1764, The Castle of Otranto purported to be a translation of an Italian story of the time of the crusades. In it Walpole attempted, as he declared in the Preface to the Second Edition, ''to blend the two kinds of romance: the ancient and the modern.'' Crammed with invention, entertainment, terror, and pathos, the novel was an immediate success and Walpole''s own favorite among his numerous works. The novel is reprinted here from a text of 1798, the last that Walpole himself prepared for the press. `with each volume having an introduction by an acknowledged expert, and exhaustive notes, the World''s Classics are surely the most desirable series and, all-round, the best value for money'' Oxford Times

The Castle of Otranto is generally regarded as the first gothic novel. It tells the story of Manfred, lord of the castle, and his family. On the wedding-day of his sickly son Conrad and princess Isabella, 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. Manfred, terrified that Conrads death signals the beginning of the end for his line, resolves to avert destruction by marrying Isabella himself while divorcing his current wife Hippolita, whom he feels has failed to bear him a proper heir. The novel merged medievalism and terror in a style that has endured ever since. The aesthetics of the book shaped modern-day gothic books, films, art, music and the Goth subculture.

"The Castle of Otranto" tells the story of Manfred, lord of the castle, and his family. On the wedding-day of his sickly son Conrad and princess Isabella, 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. Manfred, terrified that Conrads death signals the beginning of the end for his line, resolves to avert destruction by marrying Isabella himself while divorcing his current wife Hippolita, whom he feels has failed to bear him a proper heir."The Old English Baron" is the literary offspring of The Castle of Otranto. The story follows the adventures of Sir Philip Harclay, who returns to medieval England to find that Arthur Lord Lovel, the friend of his youth, is dead. His cousin Walter Lord Lovel had succeeded to the estate, and sold the family castle to the baron, Fitz-Owen. Among the barons household were his two sons and daughter Emma, several young gentlemen relations being educated with the sons, and Edmund Twyford, the son of a peasant, who had been brought to live with them. When Sir Philip saw him, he took an immediate liking to him, being struck by his resemblance to his lost friend. The Knight proposing to take him into his own family, being childless, Edmund preferred to remain with the baron, receiving however an assurance that if ever he was in need of it, Sir Philip would renew his offer.

In "My Memoirs of the Reign of King George the Third," Horace Walpole presents a rich tapestry of political and social insights woven through his keen observations of 18th-century England. The memoir is characterized by Walpoles distinctive literary style, blending personal reflection with historical commentary, thus offering a snapshot of the complexities of the Georgian era. He recounts the tumultuous events and significant personalities of King George IIIs reign, depicted through eloquent prose that invites readers to engage with the past in an intimate and vivid manner, illustrating the interplay between monarchy and the publics perception amidst rising tensions leading to the American Revolution. Walpole, known not only as a writer but also as a politician and art collector, drew upon his firsthand experiences and social relationships to inform his narrative. As a prominent figure in political circles and a member of the Whig party, his perspectives were shaped by the eras political intricacies and his personal encounters with influential statesmen and cultural figures. This unique vantage point enabled him to reflect critically on the events of the time while grappling with his own role in them. This work is highly recommended for historians, literary enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the turbulent times of King George III. Walpoles memoirs are not only informative but also evoke a sense of intimacy and personal investment in the events they describe, making them an essential read for those seeking a deeper understanding of this crucial period in British history.

Regarded as the first gothic horror novel ever written, The Castle of Otranto is a dark, thrilling tale, delightfully shocking for its time and hugely influential. A fantastic, provocative and playful tale of medieval dynastic and sexual politics, The Castle of Otranto is regarded as the first ever published gothic novel and has inspired authors from Edgar Allan Poe to J.K. Rowling. Abounding with unfulfilled prophecies, supernatural occurrences, adventure, suspense and destiny it follows the fortunes of the royal family of Sicily in the thirteenth century. Prince Conrad is crushed to death on the day of his wedding to the beautiful Princess Isabella. Heirless - and terrified of an ancient prophecy that foretells the downfall of his dynasty - his father, King Manfred, divorces his wife and resolves to marry the princess himself. Far from enamoured with her new fiance, Isabella flees the royal castle and makes for the sanctuary of a nearby church with the help of the humble Theodore. When the pair is captured their respective fates seem inescapable; but at the moment of Theodores death, delivery comes from the most unexpected of places.

Horatio Walpole, 4th Earl of Orford also known as Horace Walpole was an English art historian, man of letters, antiquarian and Whig politician.He had Strawberry Hill House built in Twickenham, south-west London, reviving the Gothic style some decades before his Victorian successors. His literary reputation rests on his Gothic novel, The Castle of Otranto (1764) and his Letters, which are of significant social and political interest.He was the son of first British Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole. As he was childless, his barony descended to his cousin of the same surname, who was created the new Earl of Orford.

Horatio Walpole, 4th Earl of Orford also known as Horace Walpole was an English art historian, man of letters, antiquarian and Whig politician.He had Strawberry Hill House built in Twickenham, south-west London, reviving the Gothic style some decades before his Victorian successors. His literary reputation rests on his Gothic novel, The Castle of Otranto (1764) and his Letters, which are of significant social and political interest.He was the son of first British Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole. As he was childless, his barony descended to his cousin of the same surname, who was created the new Earl of Orford.

"Memoirs of the Reign of King George the Third" in 4 volumes are a historical account written by Horace Walpole that comprises the first twelve years of the reign of George III. George III (c. 1738-1820) was King of Great Britain and King of Ireland from 1760 until the union of the two countries in 1801, after which he was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland until his death in 1820. He was a monarch of the House of Hanover, but unlike his two predecessors, he was born in Great Britain, spoke English as his first language, and never visited Hanover. Georges life and reign, which were longer than those of any of his predecessors, were marked by a series of military conflicts involving his kingdoms, much of the rest of Europe, and places farther afield in Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Early in his reign, Great Britain defeated France in the Seven Years War, becoming the dominant European power in North America and India. However, many of Britains American colonies were soon lost in the American War of Independence. Further wars against revolutionary and Napoleonic France from 1793 concluded in the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. This carefully crafted e-artnow ebook is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents.

In "Historic Doubts on the Life and Reign of King Richard the Third," Horace Walpole embarks on a meticulous investigation into the controversial life of one of Englands most enigmatic monarchs. Through a blend of meticulous historical analysis and a literary style rich in Gothic sensibilities, Walpole challenges the established narratives surrounding Richard III, particularly the portrayal of him as a tyrant and murderer. The book exemplifies the burgeoning interest in historical inquiry during the 18th century, weaving together a narrative that is as much about the politics of memory as it is about the life of Richard himself. Walpole, an influential figure of the Gothic revival and the author of the seminal "The Castle of Otranto," melds his keen historical insight with his passion for storytelling. His upbringing in the politically charged atmosphere of his time may have influenced his desire to reassess historical narratives, particularly regarding monarchs vilified by history. As a member of the Whig party, Walpoles exploration of Richard III reflects broader themes of power, reputation, and legitimacy that echo through the corridors of English political history. This book is highly recommended for scholars, historians, and casual readers alike, as it invites critical reflection on the reliability of historical accounts and the construction of identities. Walpoles work not only enriches our understanding of Richard III but also serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in interpreting history.In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:- A succinct Introduction situates the works timeless appeal and themes.- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the eras events and influences that shaped the writing.- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the authors life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the works messages, connecting them to modern life.- Handpicked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Selected and edited by Charles Duke Yonge