The Monk

Explore the depths of desire and despair in Matthew Lewis's acclaimed Gothic novel, The Monk. This 416-page trade paperback edition, published by Penguin UK, brilliantly captures the haunting descent of Ambrosio, a revered Capuchin monk who falls from grace under the spell of temptation. Edited with insightful commentary by Christopher MacLachlan, this edition of The Monk is a must-have for fans of Gothic literature and psychological thrillers.

Set against the backdrop of 18th-century Madrid, The Monk tells the chilling tale of a pious man ensnared in a world of sin, magic, and murder. As Ambrosio grapples with his lustful yearnings and the inquisition's relentless pursuit, Lewis masterfully explores themes of morality, desire, and the human soul's darker impulses. This controversial piece was celebrated by literary figures like the Marquis de Sade for its raw depiction of eroticism and its subversive challenge to societal norms, making it a timeless classic that resonates with contemporary readers.

Whether you're a devoted Gothic literature enthusiast or new to the genre, The Monk promises to captivate your imagination and leave you pondering the boundaries of virtue. With its rich historical context and gripping narrative, this Penguin Classics edition is ideal for book collectors and those seeking profound literary experiences. Dive into The Monk and discover why this novel remains a pivotal work in Gothic fiction and psychological exploration.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780140436037
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 1998
Publisher: Penguin UK
Pages: 416


Description:
Matthew Lewis's Gothic masterpiece, depicting a holy man slowly becoming entangled in a web of sin, The Monk is edited with an introduction by Christopher MacLachlan in Penguin Classics.
Savaged by critics for its blasphemy and obscenity, particularly since the author was a Member of Parliament, The Monk soon attracted thousands of readers keen to see if this Gothic novel lived up to its lurid reputation. With acute psychological insight, Lewis shows the diabolical decline of Ambrosio, a worthy superior of the Capuchins of Madrid who is tempted by Matilda, a young girl who has entered his monastery disguised as a boy. Descending into a hell of his own creation, Ambrosio is driven to magic and murder in an attempt to conceal his crimes from the Inquisition. The Monk was greatly admired by the Marquis de Sade, who saw it as a response to the upheavals of the French Revolution, yet it also reveals something more universal- the way violent and erotic impulses lurking within us all can break through every barrier of social restraint.
Matthew Gregory Lewis (1775-1818) was educated at Oxford after which he held a position in the British Embassy at The Hague. It was there in 1794, that he wrote the racy novel The Monk, under the influence of the early German romantics. Its controversial publication in 1796, due to Lewis' new status as MP, earned him fame and the book a great deal of popularity.
If you enjoyed The Monk, you might like Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto, also available in Penguin Classics.


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