Zastrozzi

Name: Zastrozzi
Price: 6.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781513277738

✍️ Percy Bysshe Shelley

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$6.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Shelley's early gothic novel about betrayal and revenge

This text examines the psychological motivations behind Matilda’s actions after Verezzi rejects her love. The narrative traces her descent into plotting vicious revenge against both him and his fiancée. Shelley uses this plot to explore themes of self-indulgence and violent desire. The work demonstrates his early mastery of dramatic prose within the gothic tradition. It serves as a historical document for scholars studying the evolution of horror fiction in the early nineteenth century.

Key Themes

romantic betrayal vicious revenge violent desire

Literary Context

Published in 1810, this work represents one of Percy Bysshe Shelley’s earliest literary efforts. It sits within the gothic horror tradition, reflecting the period's interest in dark romance and psychological intensity. The novel provides insight into early nineteenth-century attitudes toward love and retribution.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Ann Radcliffe · Matthew Gregory Lewis

🏚️

Gothic

🏛 Mint Editions 📅 2021 📖 96 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781513277738

📝 Description: Zastrozzi

Percy Bysshe Shelley’s early novel Zastrozzi presents a dark tale of romantic betrayal and retribution. After Matilda suffers rejection from Verezzi, she devises a cruel plan to destroy him and his fiancée. This 1810 work stands as one of the earliest examples of gothic horror fiction by the renowned poet. The narrative focuses on themes of self-indulgence, revenge, and violent desire, delivered through dramatic prose that captures the intensity of its characters' emotions. Readers seeking classic literature will find this text valuable for understanding Shelley’s development as a writer. The story appeals to those interested in the origins of gothic fiction and the exploration of dark psychological motives. It may not suit readers who prefer modern pacing or light-hearted romance, as the tone remains consistently serious and intense throughout. The book offers a glimpse into early nineteenth-century literary styles without relying on contemporary tropes. This edition provides access to Shelley’s initial foray into prose fiction, allowing audiences to examine his thematic interests before his more famous poetic works. It is a concise volume that delivers a complete narrative arc centered on Matilda’s actions and their consequences.

💎 Our verdict on Zastrozzi

“

🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Shelley’s early novel delivers a complete narrative arc focused on betrayal and retribution through dramatic prose. The text excels in capturing the intensity of its characters' emotions, particularly Matilda’s descent into plotting vicious revenge. While it may not suit readers preferring modern pacing or light-hearted romance, it remains essential for those interested in gothic fiction's origins. The work demonstrates an early mastery of exploring self-indulgence and violent desire within a serious tone. It provides historical insight into horror fiction’s development, making it a compelling read for enthusiasts of dark fantasy and psychological depth who appreciate the foundational elements of the genre.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers interested in the origins of gothic fiction will find this text valuable for understanding Percy Bysshe Shelley’s development as a writer before his more famous poetic works. It appeals to those who wish to explore dark psychological motives and the thematic interests that shaped early horror literature. This book offers a glimpse into nineteenth-century literary styles without relying on contemporary tropes, providing a concise narrative arc centered on intense emotional consequences. It is particularly suited for scholars studying the evolution of horror and readers seeking classic literature that prioritizes serious, dramatic prose over modern pacing or light-hearted romance.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Shelley’s early novel delivers a complete narrative arc focused on betrayal and retribution through dramatic prose. The text excels in capturing the intensity of its characters' emotions, particularly Matilda’s descent into plotting vicious revenge. While it may not suit readers preferring modern pacing or light-hearted romance, it remains essential for those interested in gothic fiction's origins. The work demonstrates an early mastery of exploring self-indulgence and violent desire within a serious tone. It provides historical insight into horror fiction’s development, making it a compelling read for enthusiasts of dark fantasy and psychological depth who appreciate the foundational elements of the genre.