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The Castle of OtrantoHorace WalpoleThe 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 castle and lordship of Otranto should pass from the present family, whenever the real owner should be grown too large to inhabit it". Manfred, terrified that Conrad's 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. However, as Manfred attempts to marry Isabella,
Über den Autor / die Autorin
Horace Walpole was born in 1717, the youngest son of politician Robert Walpole, and became a writer, historian, and art enthusiast. After studying at Cambridge, he held parliamentary seats before retiring to focus on his writing and collections. His most famous work, The Castle of Otranto, is often credited as the first Gothic novel, a genre he helped establish.Walpole was deeply interested in antiquarianism and transformed his home, Strawberry Hill, into a Gothic-style castle. His writings ranged from history to letters, but his supernatural works are what solidified his place in literary history. His sharp wit and unique style made him a standout figure in 18th-century English society.Walpole's influence on literature lasted long after his death in 1797. His pioneering Gothic works inspired generations of writers, and his contributions to art history helped preserve valuable treasures. He is remembered as a key figure in the development of English literature's darker, imaginative traditions.
