-The Mysteries of Udolpho

Radcliffe’s highly regarded work was one of the most popular Gothic novels of its time. It explores the thrills and terrors that the protagonist, the orphaned Emily St Aubert, experiences in isolation. Unlike many other Gothic novels, the supernatural elements in this work all ultimately have rational explanations. The novel is set within the imaginary Castle of Udolpho, which is located in the Apennine Mountains and characterized by dark stone, secret passages, and a ruined chapel. The castle is located on a precipice surrounded by dark woods. Udolpho inspired writers across Europe and was featured prominently in Jane Austen’s Gothic parody Northanger Abbey.