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Matthew Gregory Lewis

    July 9, 1775 – May 14, 1818

    Matthew Gregory Lewis is renowned for his seminal Gothic novel, which earned him the moniker "Monk" Lewis. His writing delves into the darker, supernatural aspects of human experience, characteristic of the Gothic genre. Lewis explores the boundaries between good and evil, sin and redemption, and the depths of the human psyche under duress. His narrative style is often characterized by its intensity and suspense, drawing readers into chilling tales. Lewis's prose is marked by a potent atmosphere and moral complexities that prompt reflection.

    Matthew Gregory Lewis
    The Monk
    The Survival of the Princes in the Tower
    The Monk, a romance
    Rebellion in the Middle Ages
    Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine
    Richard III
    • Richard III

      • 448 pages
      • 16 hours of reading

      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.

      Richard III
      4.8
    • Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine

      • 352 pages
      • 13 hours of reading

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

      Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine
      4.3
    • Rebellion in the Middle Ages

      • 248 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      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.

      Rebellion in the Middle Ages
      4.0
    • The Monk, a romance

      • 384 pages
      • 14 hours of reading

      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.

      The Monk, a romance
      3.6
    • The Survival of the Princes in the Tower

      • 420 pages
      • 15 hours of reading

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

      The Survival of the Princes in the Tower
      3.4
    • 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

      The Monk
      3.9
    • Prepare to be shocked. This novel, written in 1796, is a Gothic festival of sex, magic and ghastly, ghostly violence rarely seen in literature. The Monk is remarkably modern in style and tells a breathless tale of temptation, imprisonment and betrayal. Matthew Lewis recounts the downfall of Ambrosio, the holier-than-thou monk seduced within the walls of a Madrid abbey until he heads for the utter corruption of the soul. Meanwhile, two sets of young lovers are thwarted and the reader thrills to pursuits through the woods by bandits and is chilled by the spectre of nuns imprisoned in vermin-ridden and skeleton-crowded vaults. Late Eighteenth Century audiences were polarised in opinion as to the novel's merits. Lord Byron and the Marquis de Sade were impressed by Lewis's daring, while Coleridge warned parents against The Monk's suitability for their sons or daughters, describing the novel as 'poison for youth. If you want a novel that still terrifies, over two hundred years after it was written, there is none finer than The Monk.

      Tales of Mystery & the Supernatural: The Monk
      3.6
    • Dover Thrift Editions: The Monk

      • 291 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      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.

      Dover Thrift Editions: The Monk
      3.6
    • The Anaconda

      • 54 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      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.

      The Anaconda
      2.9
    • The Bravo of Venice

      A Romance

      • 116 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      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.

      The Bravo of Venice
      3.3
    • The Castle Spectre

      • 106 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      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.

      The Castle Spectre
      3.4
    • In this Gothic novel, M.G. Lewis tells the story of two young lovers who are shipwrecked on the island of Madeira and encounter a sinister society founded by the Devil himself. Through his richly descriptive prose and skillful use of suspense, Lewis creates a haunting and atmospheric tale of love, betrayal, and diabolical temptation.

      The Isle of Devils. A Historical Tale, Founded on an Anecdote in the Annals of Portugal
    • Tales of wonder

      • 260 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      The book is a significant historical work that has been preserved for future generations through modern reformatting and design. It has been carefully retyped and reformatted to ensure clarity and readability, avoiding the pitfalls of scanned copies. This effort highlights the importance of the text and its relevance throughout human history, making it accessible to contemporary readers.

      Tales of wonder
    • Alabama's Best Fly Fishing

      Complete Guide to the State's Best Fly Fishing

      • 256 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      Exploring the diverse fish species and their habitats, this guide highlights the abundant fly fishing opportunities available in Alabama. It delves into the unique ecosystems and the variety of fishing experiences that the state offers, making it an essential resource for both novice and experienced anglers.

      Alabama's Best Fly Fishing
    • The Monk

      a Gothic novel by Matthew Gregory Lewis, published in 1796.

      • 298 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      Set against a backdrop of Gothic horror, the narrative intertwines the lives of several characters, including the devout monk Ambrosio and the virtuous Agnes, who defies her parents' wishes to pursue love with Don Raymond. Agnes's plight intensifies when she enters a convent, believing she has been abandoned. The story also introduces Antonia, a sheltered girl caught in the web of desire and manipulation. With a scandalous plot and richly drawn characters, the novel explores themes of virtue, temptation, and the darker aspects of human nature, making it a significant work in Gothic literature.

      The Monk
    • Mistrust; or, Blanche and Osbright

      • 118 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      Matthew Gregory Lewis, known as "Monk" Lewis, is a prominent figure in Gothic horror literature, celebrated for his 1796 novel The Monk. His diverse career also included roles as a diplomat and politician, alongside managing an estate in Jamaica. Influenced by notable authors such as Ann Radcliffe and William Godwin, Lewis's works explore dark themes and complex characters, solidifying his place in the Gothic tradition alongside contemporaries like Mary Shelley. His writings reflect a blend of personal experience and literary influence.

      Mistrust; or, Blanche and Osbright
    • The Monk: A Romance

      in large print

      • 516 pages
      • 19 hours of reading

      The focus of this book is on accessibility, as it is a reproduction of a historical work designed in large print for individuals with impaired vision. Published by Megali, a company dedicated to making historical texts more readable, it emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in literature while preserving the original content for contemporary readers.

      The Monk: A Romance
    • Stephen and Matilda's Civil War

      Cousins of Anarchy

      • 280 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      Focusing on the civil war in post-Conquest England, the narrative explores the tumultuous period of King Stephen's reign from 1135 to 1154. This conflict, known as The Anarchy, not only marked a significant power struggle but also led to the decline of the Norman dynasty and the emergence of the powerful Plantagenet kings, reshaping the future of England.

      Stephen and Matilda's Civil War
    • Die zwei virtuosesten Romane der Weltliteratur um menschliche Triebe und den Bund mit dem Teufel sind auf besondere Weise miteinander verknüpft: So liest Aurelie, die weibliche Hauptfigur in E.T.A. Hoffmanns Roman "Die Elixiere des Teufels", sogar Matthew Gregory Lewis' Roman "Der Mönch", der als richtungsweisend für die Gothic novel gilt. In "Die Elixiere des Teufels" zieht Hoffmann alle Register mit psychologischer Meisterschaft: von der Wiederkehr der Toten über das Auftauchen eines Doppelgängers bis hin zum Geschlechterfluch. Nicht umsonst gelten Lewis und Hoffmann als unerreichte Altmeister der Gruselliteratur.

      Der Mönch. Die Elixiere des Teufels
      4.0
    • Der Mönch Ambrosio, Abt eines Madrider Kapuzinerklosters, verfällt der Sünde und dem Verbrechen, vergewaltigt und tötet, er verkauft seine Seele dem Teufel und wird schließlich, weil seine Verbrechen selbst dem Teufel zuviel sind, nicht in die Hölle, sondern in einen Abgrund der Sierra Morena gestürzt.

      Der Mönch
      3.8
    • L’annotazione esplora il romanzo gotico, un genere caratterizzato da castelli lugubri, apparizioni spettrali, giovani eroine in pericolo, e figure minacciose come mostri e vampiri. Dall’opera di Horace Walpole nel 1764 fino a quella di Charles Robert Maturin nel 1820, il gotico non è solo un insieme di elementi spaventosi, ma riflette anche angosce e inquietudini contemporanee. Questa narrativa, con il suo "sublime del terrore", emerge come una reazione al predominio della ragione e del buon senso, rivelando una connessione sorprendente con le emozioni moderne. Attraverso i capolavori di autori come M.G. Lewis, Ann Radcliffe, Mary Shelley e John William Polidori, il lettore è invitato a percorrere i labirinti della paura, un elemento centrale della Gothic Fiction. Come sottolineato da D. Punter, la paura non è solo un tema, ma influisce anche su forma, stile e dinamiche sociali nei testi. L’esperienza di leggere questi romanzi diventa così un viaggio affascinante, dove il terrore si manifesta in modo caotico e trionfante sulla pagina scritta, offrendo un brivido di delizia al lettore.

      I grandi romanzi gotici - Edizioni integrali
      3.7