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When it was first published in 1764, its postscript said that the story had ACTUALLY happened in Italy during the crusades. In the 2nd edition, Walpole admitted that he wrote it himself. Thus, Walpole is the originator of "Gothic romance fiction," so they say.
The book was immensely popular. EVERYONE read it. Even Jane Austen heroines read it. (I'm guessing that Castle of Otranto was equivalently popular to the Twilight Saga . . .)
However, I couldn't get into the book. I'm used to complicated plo ...more
The book was immensely popular. EVERYONE read it. Even Jane Austen heroines read it. (I'm guessing that Castle of Otranto was equivalently popular to the Twilight Saga . . .)
However, I couldn't get into the book. I'm used to complicated plo ...more

The whole "who should inherit the kingdom?" thing was so complicated a ghost had to pop up and clear up the family tree.
I liked how they start out with Manfred looking like the villian and then his motivations become more resonable as more of the political backstory is revealed.
"The Stranger" knows how to keep his cool in stressful situations. I aspire to be like him
.
...more
I liked how they start out with Manfred looking like the villian and then his motivations become more resonable as more of the political backstory is revealed.
"The Stranger" knows how to keep his cool in stressful situations. I aspire to be like him
.
...more

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