Matthew Gregory Lewis Books

New B-format paperback edition. A definitive new biography of one of British history's most controversial figures, that seeks to bring peace to Richard III's reputation.

New in paperback - The powerful medieval couple who formed an empire beyond England, and whose children included Richard the Lionheart and King John.

This new book provides a fresh perspective on these well-known rebellions, it examines the causes behind insurrections and how in turn they influenced the development of England from the Normans to the Tudors.

This book is part of the TREDITION CLASSICS series, aimed at reviving public domain literature in print. TREDITION supports non-profit literary projects and donates a portion of proceeds to them. By reading a TREDITION CLASSICS book, you help preserve significant works of world literature.

A timely reexamination of the fate of the Princes in the Tower, crucially asking: ‘what if there was no murder?’

Set in the sinister monastery of The Capuchins in Madrid, The Monk is a violent tale of ambition, murder, and incest. The great struggle between maintaining monastic vows and fulfilling personal ambitions leads its main character, the monk Ambrosio, to temptation and the breaking of his vows, then to sexual obsession and rape, and finally to murder in order to conceal his guilt. Inspired by German horror romanticism and the work of Ann Radcliffe, Lewis produced his masterpiece at the age of 19. It contains many typical Gothic elements - seduction in a monastery, lustful monks, evil Abbesses, bandits, and beautiful heroines. But, as the Introduction to this new edition shows, Lewis also played with convention, ranging from gruesome realism to social comedy, and even parodied the genre in which he was writing

Set in the sinister monastery of the Capuchins in Madrid, this is a violent tale of ambition, murder, and incest. The struggle between maintaining monastic vows and fulfilling personal ambitions tempts its main character into breaking his vows.

Matthew Gregory Lewis, known as "Monk" Lewis, was a prominent English novelist and dramatist celebrated for his contributions to Gothic horror, particularly with his 1796 novel, The Monk. Beyond writing, he had a diverse career as a diplomat, politician, and estate owner in Jamaica. His education in modern languages and experiences abroad shaped his literary voice. Influenced by notable figures like Ann Radcliffe and William Godwin, Lewis's works explore dark themes, establishing him as a key figure in the Gothic genre alongside contemporaries like Mary Shelley.

Matthew Gregory Lewis, known for his contributions to Gothic horror, gained fame with his novel The Monk. His diverse career included roles as a diplomat, politician, and estate owner in Jamaica. Despite his father's aspirations for him to pursue diplomacy, Lewis developed a passion for writing, influenced by contemporaries like Ann Radcliffe and William Godwin. His works reflect the dark themes and psychological depth characteristic of the Gothic genre, positioning him alongside notable authors such as Mary Shelley and Charles Robert Maturin.

Set in medieval Conway, Wales, this Gothic drama unfolds over five acts, blending romance and supernatural elements. First performed in December 1797 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, it featured a notable cast and achieved remarkable success, running forty-seven times in its initial season. The play's popularity continued into subsequent years, remaining part of the theatrical repertoire until the late 1820s and experiencing revivals well into the 1900s, showcasing its lasting impact on the genre.