The Castle of Otranto

In a faraway medieval realm, Manfred, an arrogant and evil prince, rules with an iron fist. Banishing his wife to the castle dungeon, he confines and plans to wed the lovely Isabella, fiancee of his recently deceased son. The prince's plans are foiled, however, when a well-meaning peasant helps the young woman escape through the castle's underground passages.

Grisly, supernatural events further aid in fulfilling a prophecy that spells doom for the prince and justice for Isabella's rescuer and rightful heir to the throne. Serving as the model for plots, characterizations, settings, and tone for hundreds of successors. The story abounds with colorful scenes, adventure, suspense, and inexplicable phenomena.