The Monk

Set against a backdrop of horror, this Gothic novel features a convoluted and scandalous plot that explores themes of morality and desire. Written by Matthew Gregory Lewis in a remarkably short time, it showcases the male Gothic tradition and has become a significant influence in literature, inspiring numerous adaptations for stage and screen. Published before the author turned twenty, it remains a hallmark of Gothic fiction, reflecting the genre's fascination with the dark and the forbidden.