 Title page from first edition | |
| Author | Ann Radcliffe |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Gothic novel |
| Publisher | G. G. and J. Robinson |
Publication date | 8 May 1794[1] |
| Publication place | England |
The Mysteries of Udolpho is a Gothic romance novel by Ann Radcliffe, which appeared in four volumes on 8 May 1794 from G. G. and J. Robinson of London. Her fourth and most popular novel, The Mysteries of Udolpho tells of Emily St. Aubert, who suffers misadventures that include the death of her mother and father, supernatural terrors in a gloomy castle, and machinations of Italian brigand Signor Montoni. It is often cited as an archetypal example of the Gothic novel.
The popularity of The Mysteries of Udolpho helped cement the Gothic novel as a distinct genre, and has inspired many imitators since publication. It was a notable point of reference in Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, which both satirizes and pays homage to Gothic literature.[2][3]
- ^ Norton, Rictor (1999). Mistress of Udolpho: The life of Ann Radcliffe. Leicester University Press. p. 93. ISBN 0-7185-0202-7.
- ^ Karafili Steiner, Enit (2012). Jane Austen's Civilized Women Morality, Gender and the Civilizing Process. Routledge. p. 47. ISBN 978-1-848-93178-7.
- ^ Caroline Webber,"The Mysteries of Udolpho". The Literary Encyclopedia. 11 October 2008. Accessed 4 June 2011.