The Castle Of Otranto

Set in a foreboding castle, the narrative follows Manfred, whose life spirals into chaos after his son Conrad is tragically killed by a massive helmet on his wedding day. Desperate to save his family's legacy, Manfred's attempts lead to a series of supernatural occurrences, including secret passages and eerie movements. This foundational gothic novel intertwines realism with the fantastical, introducing key tropes that would define the genre, such as ominous settings and mysterious events, paving the way for future gothic literature.