Horace Walpole 
The Castle of Otranto 

Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto is a groundbreaking work in the realm of Gothic literature, setting the foundation for the genre with its elements of suspense, supernatural occurrences, and melodramatic plot twists. Published in 1764, the novel tells the story of the mysterious and eerie events that unfold within the walls of the castle, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Walpole’s use of intricate descriptions and vivid imagery add to the haunting tone of the narrative, captivating readers with its gothic allure. The Castle of Otranto stands as a seminal work that has influenced countless authors in the Gothic tradition, making it a must-read for those interested in the development of the genre.

About the author

Horace Walpole (1717–1797) was an English writer, art historian, man of letters, and politician, most famous for penning ‘The Castle of Otranto, ‘ a work that is widely regarded as the first Gothic novel, thus instigating a literary genre that would flourish in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born into privilege as the son of the first British Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, Horace was well-educated at Eton and King’s College, Cambridge. His literary contributions extend beyond ‘The Castle of Otranto’ (1764) with volumes of correspondence that provide a vivid picture of Georgian society, publications on art history, and a miscellany of writings on various subjects. Walpole’s ‘Otranto’ was seminal, its introduction of supernatural elements and medieval setting influencing numerous other works and establishing the hallmarks of the Gothic tradition. His ornate and evocative prose along with his exploration of the sublime and the terrifying set the standard for later Gothic authors such as Ann Radcliffe and Mary Shelley. In addition to his literary achievements, Walpole was also noted for his extravagant gothic revival villa, Strawberry Hill House, which he transformed into a ‘little Gothic castle’ and which became an inspirational site for the Gothic literary movement he had originated.