I have a copy of The Castle of Otranto, but have never read it. This line of HPL's about it has stuck with me, lo these many decades: "... the lad, by the way, having been crushed by the preternatural fall of a gigantic helmet in the castle courtyard." My cinematic imagination of that scene, just based on those few words, is so good, and has remained with me in all its purity for so long, that I am afraid that actually reading the book would ruin it.
That made me laugh. I'm afraid you may be in for a disappointment. But you should still read it, eventually. Thank you for the HP article. It was super interesting.
I would love to read more gothic romance in the new year. I have some Ann Radcliffe lined up and Castle of Otranto is also on my list. I'd like to visit Walpole's house next year too, Strawberry Hill. It looks wonderful, have you been? I think it's fairly easy to get to from central London.
Ann Radcliffe is next for me to read. I also found a podcast episode (you know how I can't live without my podcasts) about her life, so I plan on listening to it this week. I hope you'll enjoy reading her. We can compare thoughts next year. I'm looking up Strawberry Hill right now.
H.P. Lovecraft's comments on the importance of The Castle of Otranto are worth revisiting:
https://www.hplovecraft.com/writings/texts/essays/shil.aspx
I have a copy of The Castle of Otranto, but have never read it. This line of HPL's about it has stuck with me, lo these many decades: "... the lad, by the way, having been crushed by the preternatural fall of a gigantic helmet in the castle courtyard." My cinematic imagination of that scene, just based on those few words, is so good, and has remained with me in all its purity for so long, that I am afraid that actually reading the book would ruin it.
That made me laugh. I'm afraid you may be in for a disappointment. But you should still read it, eventually. Thank you for the HP article. It was super interesting.
I would love to read more gothic romance in the new year. I have some Ann Radcliffe lined up and Castle of Otranto is also on my list. I'd like to visit Walpole's house next year too, Strawberry Hill. It looks wonderful, have you been? I think it's fairly easy to get to from central London.
Ann Radcliffe is next for me to read. I also found a podcast episode (you know how I can't live without my podcasts) about her life, so I plan on listening to it this week. I hope you'll enjoy reading her. We can compare thoughts next year. I'm looking up Strawberry Hill right now.