The Mysteries of Udolpho

Unique Elements Historical Context Detailed 18th Century Historical Map An Essential Literary Classic by Ann Radcliffe The Mysteries of Udolpho by British author Ann Radcliffe is a book of literary fiction first published in 1794 in the UK. Read An Excerpt ‘Daylight dispelled from Emily’s mind the glooms of superstition, but not those of apprehension. The Count Morano was the first image that occurred to her waking thoughts, and then came a train of anticipated evils, which she could neither conquer, nor avoid. She rose, and, to relieve her mind from the busy ideas, that tormented it, compelled herself to notice external objects. From her casement she looked out upon the wild grandeur of the scene, closed nearly on all sides by alpine steeps, whose tops, peeping over each other, faded from the eye in misty hues, while the promontories below were dark with woods, that swept down to their base, and stretched along the narrow valleys.’ Synopsis The novel follows the story of Emily St. Aubert, whose misfortunes include the death of her parents, otherworldly terrors in a brooding, medieval castle where she is confined by her aunt's new husband, Montoni, an Italian brigand, and separation from the man she loves. It was Ann Radcliffe's fourth book and originally published in four volumes in London in May of 1794. Replete with episodes of terror and wild imaginings, desolate, decaying castles, a cunning, evil adversary, and a vulnerable heroine, The Mysteries of Udolpho is a classic Gothic romance dripping with atmosphere and apprehension that continues to enthrall readers. Title Details Original 1794 text Literary fiction 6 x 9 in Matte Cover