Die Burg von Otranto
A 2016 edition of Walpole's gothic novel using an 1810 text base.
This release prioritizes textual fidelity over modern interpretation. The publisher selected the 1810 Berlin printing as the primary source material. Karl-Maria Guth provided a biographical introduction to contextualize Horace Walpole’s life and work. The edition includes marginal notes that align page numbers with the original 1810 structure. Visual elements include a cover image by Eduard Gerhardt from 1862. The typography uses Minion Pro at eleven points. This approach appeals to readers interested in the physical history of the text rather than its literary impact alone.
Horace Walpole published the original work in London in 1765. This specific German edition appeared in Berlin in 2016, bridging eighteenth-century English literature with early nineteenth-century German printing traditions.
📝 Description: Die Burg von Otranto
💎 Our verdict on Die Burg von Otranto
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
This volume serves readers deeply invested in the material history of literature rather than those seeking modern critical analysis or contemporary reinterpretations. It is ideal for collectors of German classical literature and scholars examining the specific transmission of Gothic texts through historical editions. By prioritizing textual fidelity to an 1810 Berlin printing, it offers a direct encounter with Walpole’s early work without the interference of extensive footnotes. The inclusion of Karl-Maria Guth’s biographical introduction provides necessary context for the author’s life and work, while marginal notes align page numbers with the original source structure. Those interested in the physical evolution of the text and its visual presentation through Eduard Gerhardt’s 1862 cover art will find this edition a valuable resource for understanding the tangible legacy of Gothic fiction.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
This edition excels in preserving the textual integrity of Walpole’s seminal work by anchoring itself to a specific historical source. The use of Minion Pro typography and the inclusion of Guth’s biographical introduction create a respectful, scholarly atmosphere suitable for serious study. It avoids modern commentary, offering instead a pure presentation of the narrative structure as it appeared in 1810. The visual elements, including Gerhardt’s cover art, add aesthetic value without distracting from the text. This approach suits readers who appreciate the physical history of books and the evolution of Gothic themes. It is less appropriate for those desiring extensive critical analysis or modern interpretations, focusing instead on historical accuracy and biographical context for a niche audience interested in literary preservation.
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✍️ More books by this author Horace Walpole
🏛 Books from this publisher Henricus - Edition Deutsche Klassik Gmbh, Berlin
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