The Castle of Otranto

Set in medieval Italy, the story follows Manfred, lord of the Castle Otranto, who seeks to secure his lineage by marrying his son to the beautiful Princess Isabella. Following a supernatural tragedy on the wedding day, Manfred's obsession leads him to pursue Isabella himself. The innocent princess escapes, aided by the honorable yet mysterious Theodore. Rich in gothic elements like secret passages and ghostly apparitions, this novel is a foundational work of the genre that has captivated readers for centuries.