The Monk
Jan 2010 · Victorian bestsellers Book 10 · Penguin UK
5.0star
2 reviewsreport
Ebook
464
Pages
family_home
Eligible
info
reportRatings and reviews aren’t verified Learn More
About this ebook
Ambrosio, the worthy superior of the Capuchins of Madrid, falls to the temptations of Matilda, a fiend-inspired wanton who, disguised as a boy, has entered his monastery as a novice. Ambrosio then falls in love with one of his penitents and finally kills her in order to escape detection. However, he is discovered, tortured by the Inquisition and sentenced to death. Although extravagant in its mixture of the supernatural, the terrible, and the indecent, the book contains scenes of great effect. The novel is a prime example of 18th century Gothic, written partly in response to Walpole and Radcliffe and enjoyed a considerable contemporary vogue.
Ratings and reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Scott Rich
- Flag inappropriate
- Show review history
November 24, 2024
Excellent Gothic novel from a long, long time ago. This book surprised me because I wasn't expecting it to be such a compelling page turner; nor was I expecting it to be quite so graphic and sinister. Keep in mind if you decide to read The Monk that Matthew Gregory Lewis was a mere nineteen years old when he wrote it. For a nineteen year old kid to put together a novel this good is pretty impressive, but to be written with the eloquence and insight that he demonstrates throughout, is downright astonishing.
Brenda Zattera
- Flag inappropriate
May 17, 2020
Really enjoyed the reading. Gothic literature well achieved.
About the author
Matthew Gregory Lewis (1775-1818) was educated at Oxford after which he held a position in the British Embassy at The Hague. It was there in 1794, that he wrote the racy novel THE MONK, under the influence of the early German romantics. Its controversial publication in 1796, due to Lewis' new status as MP, earned him fame and the book a great deal of popularity.
Christopher MacLachlan is a Lecturer at the University of St Andrews. He has published books and articles on Pope, Hume and Burns.
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
