GOTHIC CLASSICS: THE CASTLE OF OTRANTO AND THE OLD ENGLISH BARON (an Omnibus) by Horace Walpole and by Clara Reeve (Haunted Library of Horror Classics, Volume #9) • with introduction to the book by Robert McCammon • with biography, reading list, and discussion questions by series editor and author Eric J. Guignard • with annotations by series editor and author Leslie S. Klinger An omnibus of two related classics of Gothic Fiction. In "The Castle of Otranto"—named as history’s "First Gothic novel"—Manfred, the lord of the castle of Otranto, has long lived in dread of an ancient prophecy: it's foretold that when his family line ends, the true owner of the castle will appear and claim it. In a desperate bid to keep the castle, Manfred plans to coerce a young woman named Isabella into marrying him. In "The Old English Baron”—written as a reaction to Otranto from a female author's point of view—Isabella refuses to yield to Manfred's reprehensible plan. But once she escapes into the depths of the castle, it becomes clear that Manfred isn't the only threat. As Isabelle loses herself in the seemingly endless hallways below, voices reverberate from the walls and specters wander through the dungeons. Otranto appears to be alive, and it's seeking revenge for the sins of the past.