The Castle of Otranto is a book by Horace Walpole first published in 1764 and generally regarded as the first gothic novel,The Castle of Otranto merges medievalism and terror. It tells the story of Manfred, lord of the castle, and his family. The book begins on the wedding-day of his sickly son Conrad and princess Isabella. After an inexplicable event that seems to bear out an ancient prophecy, Manfred takes steps to ensure the safety and survival of his family, only to make things so much worse.