The Castle of Otranto

Generally regarded as the first gothic novel, Walpole was inspired to write the book after having a nightmare. When Manfred's son Conrad is crushed to death on his wedding day, Manfred resolves to marry his son's bride-to-be instead, in a desperate bid to continue the family line.

Generally regarded as the first gothic novel, Walpole was inspired to write the book after having a nightmare. When Manfred's son Conrad is crushed to death on his wedding day, Manfred resolves to marry his son's bride-to-be instead, in a desperate bid to continue the family line.