S1:E2 | Father of Gothic Lit: Horace Walpole

Le Salon Literary Discussions

Horace Walpole lived and breathed the Gothic. His novel, The Castle of Otranto, is considered the first English Gothic novel, earning him the title of ‘father of Gothic’. In this episode, we’ll look at his biography, his inspiration for his “Gothic story”, and his legacy.

[1:15] “For the man who began the English Gothic novel era, he isn’t exactly what you’d expect.”

[12:48] “If you’ve read Shakespeare’s Hamlet, you’ll get a very similar vibe to Otranto.”

[15:59] “Let the critics have their say: I shall not be vexed: it was not written for their age which wants nothing but cold reason. I own to you, and you will think me madder than ever, that of all my works it is the only one in which I pleased myself.”

Books mentioned in this episode:

• The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
• The Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum
• Historic Doubts on the Life and Reign of King Richard IIIby Horace Walpole
• The Monk by Matthew Lewis
• The Mysterious Motherby Horace Walpole

More resources for you:

• See what books are on the virtual literary salon schedule.
• Follow me on Instagram @lesalonreads and Twitter @lesalonreads.
• Visit my website.