The Castle of Otranto

Horace Walpole's "The Castle of Otranto" is a seminal work that heralds the birth of the Gothic novel. Published in 1764, the narrative intertwines dark, brooding themes with a rich, atmospheric setting, centering around the ominous castle that serves as both a literal and metaphorical stronghold of tyranny and supernatural occurrences. Walpole's unique blend of melodrama, mystery, and the uncanny...