The Castle of Otranto

On his wedding day, Conrad, the heir to the house of Otranto, meets a mysterious and untimely death, prompting his ambitious father, Manfred, to pursue his son's bride despite being married. As Manfred's plans unfold, unsettling supernatural omens arise, linked to a curse on his ancestor who usurped the rightful prince. First published in 1764, The Castle of Otranto is recognized as a foundational work of Gothic fiction, featuring a mix of eerie events and fervent emotions that have influenced notable authors like Ann Radcliffe and Bram Stoker.