[.rousium]

Genre: Gothic
Title: The Castle of Otranto
Author: Horace Walpole
Synopsis: (taken and abbreviated from Wikipedia) The Castle of Otranto tells the story of Manfred, lord of the castle, and his family. The book begins on the wedding-day of his sickly son Conrad and princess Isabella. Shortly before the wedding, however, Conrad is crushed to death by a gigantic helmet that falls on him from above. Terrified that Conrad's death signals the beginning of the end for his line, Manfred contrives and attempts some very questionable results.
Why do you recommend this book? It's clever and quaint. A quick read that opened an entire new genre of books for me.

Is this a book, manga, or graphic novel? Book. It's also a free download via. Amazon if you have an e-reader.