The Castle Spectre

Set in the late 18th century, this Gothic play is notable for its innovative blend of stage action, music, and special effects, creating an intense emotional experience that often left audiences faint with fright. Written by Matthew Lewis, a pioneer of Literary Gothic, it showcases his dramatic prowess following his earlier work, The Monk. This edition features both the original five-act play and a condensed three-act version, along with biographies of original performers, contemporary reviews, and the original musical score, providing a comprehensive look at its historical impact.