The Castle of Otranto written in 1764 is the first Gothic novel and has begun a genre that has is still very popular. The introduction says that this novel was first written in the 16th century in Italy. Conrad is crushed by a large helmet on his wedding day. Conrad's father Manfred decides he must divorce his wife and marry his son's fiance. The novel to chucked full of supernatural events stemming from a curse on the castle. Ghosts, blood, and huge limbs are just a part of the adventure.