The Castle of Otranto is a novel by author Horace Walpole, regarded is being the first gothic novel ever published. This work initiated a firestorm in this literary genre and was easily one of the most popular novels published in the late 18th and early 19th century. This novel is the story of Conrad, son of Manfred of the house of Otranto, who is crushed by a giant helmet on the day of his wedding. The novel deals largely with Manfred seeking divocer from his wife and his attempt to marry Conrad's betrothed, Isabella. The Castle of Otranto is highly recommended for those who enjoy in the writings of Horace Walpole and those who also enjoy early gothic novels.