Gothic Classics: The Castle of Otranto and The Old English Baron (Haunted Library Horror Classics)

Hailed as the first Gothic novel, Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto is an ornate piece of literary horror that defined the genre and inspired generations of prolific authors. Also included in this edition is The Old English Baron, written according to its author Clara Reeve, as the "literary offspring of "The Castle of Otranto" and considered a major influence in the development of Gothic fiction.

The Castle of Otranto sits in the Italian countryside, a dark, hulking thing. It's been in Manfred's family for generations and borne witness to both the triumph and shame of his forefathers. But Manfred live in fear that the castle will one day slip from his grasp—and with it, the secrets hidden in its shadow. To keep what's his, Manfred extorts a young woman, Isabella, who finds herself ensconced in Otranto's ancient walls. Trapped alone, she soon realizes she has more to fear than an old man's desperate plan. Something has awoken in Otranto, and it's seeking revenge for the sins of the past.