Walpole's "The Castle of Otranto"

Walpole's "The Castle of Otranto" is often considered the first gothic novel, blending medieval adventure with supernatural elements. It tells the story of Prince Manfred’s obsessive desire to secure his family's legacy, leading to haunted castles, mysterious prophecies, and ghostly apparitions. The novel combines themes of honor, fate, and the supernatural, creating a dark, atmospheric tale that explores human passions and fears. Its suspenseful narrative and eerie settings laid the foundation for later horror and gothic literature, emphasizing the power of tradition, secrets, and the supernatural within a medieval and romantic context.