A review by auntie_terror
The Castle of Otranto, Vathek & Nightmare Abbey by David Stuart Davies, William Beckford, Horace Walpole, Thomas Love Peacock
4.0
This is not a book for people with more modern tastes in horror. And even for those used to classic ghost and horror stories, this might be a book of interest, but not of actual fright.
The Castle of Otranto is a family tragedy, brought upon the protagonists by the misdeeds of their forbears. It is strong in te expression of Christian faith and ideals, and offers a surprising insight into what was frightening to the author's contemporaries.
Vathek is an orientalist tale and feels as if taken out of 1001 Nights. Here again, the failures of humans directly lead to their destruction and misfortune.
Nightmare Abbey is a satire on the "Gothic Novel" genre and my favourite in this collection. It is simply hilarious in the overuse of speaking names, exaggerated gestures, absurd coincidences and great lamentation. Brilliant.
The Castle of Otranto is a family tragedy, brought upon the protagonists by the misdeeds of their forbears. It is strong in te expression of Christian faith and ideals, and offers a surprising insight into what was frightening to the author's contemporaries.
Vathek is an orientalist tale and feels as if taken out of 1001 Nights. Here again, the failures of humans directly lead to their destruction and misfortune.
Nightmare Abbey is a satire on the "Gothic Novel" genre and my favourite in this collection. It is simply hilarious in the overuse of speaking names, exaggerated gestures, absurd coincidences and great lamentation. Brilliant.