

#14047
Mentioned in 4 episodes
The castle of Otranto
Book • 1764
Published in 1764, 'The Castle of Otranto' is considered the first Gothic novel.
The story revolves around Manfred, the lord of the Castle of Otranto, whose son Conrad is killed by a giant helmet on the day of his wedding to Isabella.
This event triggers a series of supernatural occurrences and human tragedies, driven by an ancient prophecy that threatens Manfred's lineage.
The novel explores themes of horror, fate, and the fragility of human connections, blending medieval and modern literary motifs.
It was initially presented as a translation of an ancient Italian manuscript but was later acknowledged as a modern creation by Walpole.
The story revolves around Manfred, the lord of the Castle of Otranto, whose son Conrad is killed by a giant helmet on the day of his wedding to Isabella.
This event triggers a series of supernatural occurrences and human tragedies, driven by an ancient prophecy that threatens Manfred's lineage.
The novel explores themes of horror, fate, and the fragility of human connections, blending medieval and modern literary motifs.
It was initially presented as a translation of an ancient Italian manuscript but was later acknowledged as a modern creation by Walpole.
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Mentioned in 4 episodes
Mentioned by Ash as the first Gothic story, generally credited to Horace Walpole.

35 snips
Frankenstein (1818) by Mary Shelley
Mentioned by Zach when noting a connection between character names and the 'found manuscript' device.

Ep. 139: Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco (Historical Fiction #1)
Mentioned by 

as a gothic novel influencing "Lilith".


Dr. Junius Johnson

Lilith
Mentioned by 

and 

as the first Gothic novel and a cornerstone of literary history.


Dr. Junius Johnson


Father Wesley Walker

The Castle of Otranto
Mentioned as the novel by Horace Walpole, usually considered to have begun the Gothic novel literary style in the 1760s.

The Gothic – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 32
Mentioned by Karina as a significant influence on her life and studies, whose work she studied at Strawberry Hill House.

Sarah Winnemucca, Part 2
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as the first Gothic novel.

John Goodall

John Goodall, "The Castle: A History" (Yale UP, 2022)
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as a romantic perception of castles as places of tyranny.

John Goodall

John Goodall, "The Castle: A History" (Yale UP, 2022)
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as the Gothic Castle written by Horace Walpole in 1773.

Maisha Wester

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as the first Gothic novel.

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Mexican fiction turns drug kingpins into vicious vampires




