The Monk: A Romance - The Annotated Edition of the Most Scandalous Gothic Novel of Its Age
A restored annotated edition of the scandalous 1796 Gothic novel by Matthew Gregory Lewis.
Lewis authored this work when he was just twenty years old. The story centers on Ambrosio, a holy man in Madrid whose life unravels through temptation and crime. This edition presents the full original text without the censorship forced upon the author. It includes an introduction explaining the parliamentary denunciation and press condemnation. Notes clarify the Gothic elements and eighteenth-century background. The book suits those studying literary history or the evolution of horror fiction. It does not suit readers who prefer modern, censored adaptations or light reading.
Published in 1796, this novel shocked Europe and faced condemnation from pulpits and the press. Parliament denounced it, forcing Lewis to censor parts of the work. The edition highlights the scandal that made it the most notorious Gothic novel of its age.
📝 Description: The Monk: A Romance - The Annotated Edition of the Most Scandalous Gothic Novel of Its Age
💎 Our verdict on The Monk: A Romance - The Annotated Edition of the Most Scandalous Gothic Novel of Its Age
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
This volume serves as an essential resource for readers interested in the origins of Gothic fiction and its controversial reception. It offers a clear view of the moral panic that accompanied the book's release, allowing scholars and enthusiasts to understand the historical context of early horror literature without the interference of later censorship. The annotations clarify period-specific references while preserving Lewis's original narrative voice, making it ideal for those who appreciate historical literary scandals and unexpurgated texts. It provides valuable insight into the evolution of the genre from its controversial beginnings.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
This annotated edition successfully restores the complete original text of a notorious Gothic novel, providing necessary context through its introduction and notes. It excels in clarifying the eighteenth-century background and the specific Gothic machinery employed by Lewis, which helps modern readers navigate the dense moral panic of the era. The work is best suited for those studying literary history or the evolution of horror fiction who are prepared for a dark, mature narrative. It will not satisfy readers seeking light reading or sanitized adaptations, but it offers significant value for those willing to engage with the raw, unexpurgated voice of early Gothic literature.
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📖 From the series “Carrier Press Annotated Classics”
✍️ More books by this author Matthew Gregory Lewis
🏛 Books from this publisher Carrier Press
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