A Gothic novel set in Sicily during the 18th century, written by English author Ann Radcliffe. The novel follows the mysterious and suspenseful events surrounding the marriage of a young noblewoman, and incorporates elements of horror, romance, and suspense. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne (1789) is a novel by Ann Radcliffe. Published anonymously, Radcliffe’s debut novel is a tragic story of love and murder set in the sublime landscape of the Scottish Highlands. Considered an essential work of Gothic fiction, The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne is an early example of her prowess as a leading novelist of suspense and the supernatural. “This pile was venerable from its antiquity, and from its Gothic structure; but more venerable from the virtues which it enclosed. It was the residence of the still beautiful widow, and the children of the noble Earl of Athlin, who was slain by the hand of Malcolm, a neighbouring chief, proud, oppressive, revengeful; and still residing in all the pomp of feudal greatness, within a few miles of the castle of Athlin.” Raised in isolation in the high Castle of Athlin, Osbert and Mary have never known the rituals inherent to public life. As heirs to a once-mighty clan, they are haunted by the weight of their dead father’s legacy, shattered by his murderer Malcolm of Dunbayne. As sadness turns to rage, Osbert swears an oath to avenge his father, wandering off into the deep wilderness of the Highlands in search of men to aid him in his quest. Together with his clansmen and the peasant Alleyn, he launches an assault on Malcolm’s castle, risking everything to reclaim his honor. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Ann Radcliffe’s The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne is a classic of English literature reimagined for modern readers.

Original texts of the first editions, unabridged and carefully revised, and supplemented by numerous contemporary illustrations from early editions. The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne: Osbert, Earl of Athlin, is driven by a passionate desire to avenge the murder of his father, who was once murdered by the hand of Malcolm, Baron of Dunbayne. Meanwhile young Alleyn falls unhappily in love with the Earl's sister, Mary, who is far above him in rank. The virtuous and tender Mary soon returns Alleyn's feelings, but the fact that Malcolm, driven by evil passions, also wants her hand, does not make the situation easier. Soon the two castles with all their secrets become the scene of fierce battles, dangerous chases and scenes of passionate emotion ... A Sicilian Romance: Julia and Emilia, daughters of the cold-hearted Marquis of Mazzini, grow up well-protected on their father's castle while their father resides in Naples. But the quiet idyll quickly comes to an end when her father and his handsome wife arrive and set up for a longer stay. Henceforth, splendid celebrations are celebrated on the country estate. Meanwhile, Mazzini Castle seems to be haunted by a ghost. The first strange appearances are dismissed as delusions, but soon the servants begin to fear the ghost that is lurking in the dilapidated south wing of the castle ...