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[Horace Walpole, 4th Earl of Orford]. The Castle of Otranto ... translated by William Marshall ... from the original Itali...
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Description
[Horace Walpole, 4th Earl of Orford]. The Castle of Otranto ... translated by William Marshall ... from the original Italian of Onuphrio Muralto. London: Printed for Tho. Lownds, 1765 [i.e. 1764].8vo (180 x 108 mm). Contemporary tree calf gilt; quarter calf folding case.
FIRST EDITION of what is generally regarded as the first gothic novel. Inspired by a nightmare, the novel purports to be a translation of a 16th-century Neapolitan manuscript by the fictional "Onuphrio Muralto." The story is set in a haunted castle and features many elements that would go on to define the genre, including secret passages, chilling soundscapes, phantom movements, and more. This title marks one of the first and most influential in gothic fiction. Its tremendous success initiated the vogue for Gothic romances.
Sir Walter Scott wrote: "The Castle of Otranto is remarkable not only for the wild interest of the story, but as the first modern attempt to found a tale of amusing fiction upon the basis of ancient romances of chivalry" (quoted in PMM).
Condition: Spine a little rubbed and worn, with small chip a foot; front joint cracked, but holding; some wear to corners. A few minor stains to front free endpapers, just affecting title slightly at head.
References: Bleiler, p. 202; Hazen, Walpole 17; PMM 211; Rothschild 2491; Tinker 2274.
Provenance: Frederick J. O. Montagu (bookplate); William E. Stockhausen (his sale, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 20 November 1974, lot 484). From the William A. Strutz Library.
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Auction Info
2024 June 27 Important English and American Literature: The William A. Strutz Library, Part I, Rare Books Signature® Auction #6295 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2024
27th
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 17
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