Ann Radcliffe
Список книг автора Ann RadcliffeThe Romance of the Forest
First published in 1791, Ann Radcliffe's «The Romance of the Forest,» is a classic Gothic novel, a suspenseful mystery that examines the tension between hedonism and morality. An instant success for the author, this novel would establish Radcliffe's as the preeminent author of romances of her era. While Radcliffe's work was similar in many respects to her Gothic predecessors her work differed fundamentally in its breadth of development of her characters. The story concerns Monsieur Pierre de la Motte and his wife, Madame Constance de la Motte, who having fallen into financial troubles and are fleeing Paris in order to escape their debts. While «The Romance of the Forest» is not generally regarded as in the same league as «The Italian» and «The Mysteries of Udolpho,» it was Radcliffe's first major literary success and would propel her career. Radcliffe's influence would be profound, helping greatly to establish literary validity for the Gothic genre.
The Italian
Among the most sophisticated examples of Gothic romance, «The Italian» was written in 1797 at the height of Radcliffe's power as an author. The dark, shadowed Italy of this novel immediately encapsulates the fast-paced plot concerning Vincentio di Vivaldi and his beautiful love Ellena Rosalba. While they wish to marry, Vincentio's mother is against their marriage. Her scheming to separate them soon involves Schedoni, a mysterious monk, and arguably Radcliffe's most exceptional invention, whose sinister machinations cause the couple much strife. Radcliffe explores the ways in which concealment and disguise can threaten love and devotion, particularly during the Holy Inquisition, where crime and religion blend dangerously.
The Mysteries of Udolpho
First published in four volumes in 1794, Ann Radcliffe’s “The Mysteries of Udolpho” is an unparalleled example of Gothic romance and was wildly popular upon its first appearance. Often cited as the archetypal Gothic novel, the story portrays the multitude of misfortunes heaped upon the admirable French heroine, Emily St. Aubert. Losing first her mother, then her beloved father, the orphaned Emily must be separated from her newfound love Valancourt to live with her aunt and new guardian, Madame Cheron. Emily then faces the evil machinations of her aunt’s husband, the Italian brigand Signor Montoni, who imprisons the two women in the dismal, degenerate, and isolated castle Udolpho. It is here where Emily must overcome persecution from an unwelcome suitor, the threats of Montoni, and, most frightening of all, the psychological terror of apparently supernatural occurrences and her own riotous, horrified imagination. Radcliffe expertly transitions from the striking mountain landscapes of France and Italy to the illusory and fantastical terrain of the heroine’s mind and creates an enthralling tale that explores the farthest reaches of a young woman’s experiences of outer and inner life.
The castles of Athlin and Dunbayne
Полный вариант заголовка: «The castles of Athlin and Dunbayne : A highland story / By Ann Radcliffe».
A journey, made in the summer of 1794 through Holland and the Western frontier of Germany
Полный вариант заголовка: «A journey made in the summer of 1794, through Holland and the western frontier of Germany with a return down the Rhine: to which are added Observations during a tour to the lakes of Lancashire, Westmoreland, and Cumberland / By Ann Radcliffe».
