Gormenghast (novel)

Gormenghast
First edition cover – 1950
AuthorMervyn Peake
Cover artistMervyn Peake
LanguageEnglish
SeriesGormenghast
GenreGothic
PublisherEyre & Spottiswoode
Publication date
1950
Publication placeUnited Kingdom
Media typePrint (hardback & paperback)
823.914
Preceded byTitus Groan 
Followed byTitus Alone 

Gormenghast /ˈɡɔːmənˌɡɑːst/ is a fantasy novel by British writer Mervyn Peake, the second in his Gormenghast series. It is the story of Titus Groan, 77th Earl of Groan and Lord of Gormenghast Castle, from age 7 to 17. As the story opens, Titus dreads the pre-ordained life of ritual that stretches before him. To Titus, Master of Ritual Barquentine and his apprentice Steerpike are the embodiment of all he wants to rebel against. An important sub-plot involves Titus at school, where he encounters the professors, especially Bellgrove, who becomes Headmaster of Gormenghast school.