Ann Radcliffe's The Mysteries of Udolpho

Set in the late 1500s, this historical gothic novel is a tale of horror and psychological terror from Ann Radcliffe, one of the most influential writers of the genre.

Emily St. Aubert suffered the loss of her mother early in life and formed a tight bond with her father amidst their grief. Yet, when further tragedy strikes and her father also passes away, she’s placed into the care of her aunt. Her new guardian shows Emily little affection, and her marriage to an Italian brigand results in the small family moving to an eerie, crumbling castle. As seemingly supernatural events haunt the young girl’s life, she begins to unravel a long string of secrets and schemes.

This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. First published in 1794, The Mysteries of Udolpho is Radcliffe’s most popular novel and is commonly referred to as the archetypal gothic novel. The captivating tale has influenced many well-known works, and is prominently featured in Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey (1817). This volume is not to be missed by fans of horror classics.