The Castle of Otranto

By: Horace Walpole

Narrated by: Tony Jay

On the day of his wedding, Conrad, heir to the house of Otranto, is killed under mysterious circumstances. His calculating father, Manfred, fears that his dynasty will now come to an end and determines to marry his son's bride himself, despite the fact he is already married. But a series of terrifying supernatural omens soon threaten this unlawful union, as the curse placed on Manfred's ancestor, who usurped the lawful Prince of Otranto, begins to unfold.

First published pseudonymously in 1764, The Castle of Otranto is purported to be an ancient Italian text from the time of the crusades and is a founding work of Gothic fiction. With its compelling blend of sinister portents, tempestuous passions, and ghostly visitations, it spawned an entire literary tradition and influenced such writers as Ann Radcliffe and Bram Stoker.

(P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"[Walpole] is the father of the first romance and surely worthy of a higher place than any living writer." (Lord Byron)

A Comedy?

A great story that switches between genre at a welcoming pace yet sometimes hard to keep track what what’s happening towards the end.
The best part though is I find the story quite humorous. The older prince trying to get answers out of people and them giving him all the information except what he wants. It comes of hilarious to me. Purple proses around the real answer. 😹😹😹

Don’t forget the story is from the Gothic time

Incredible story based on the fear of god. Oh the Gothic times are just so delicious.

Haunting from another era

I appreciate the gothic style and thought I would enjoy this more- perhaps better read so that your mind can wander and focus on the details better. The narrator was great! But listening rather than reading didn’t give me time to ponder some of the ghostly elements… I think I’ll give it another listen or pick up a hard copy. Short enough to do so. Otherwise the story was intriguing and the characters were well written. I really loved hating Manfred lol, but poor Matilda.

Overly dramatic in delivery, style, and writing

It doesn't hold up as well as Dumars or Austin for its age, but my friends say it's historically important. The story is interesting, mostly as what is implied about cultural norms of the time.

Bizarre, Weird and Wonderful Classic

It’s all there in the title. Enjoy it for the weird and wacky classic work of Gothic fiction it is.