The Monk: A Romance

The Monk: A Romance is a Gothic classic by Matthew Gregory Lewis published in 1796. A quickly written book from early in Lewis''s career (it was written in ten weeks before he turned 20) its convoluted and scandalous plot has made it one of the most important Gothic novels of its time often imitated and adapted for the stage and the screen.Just arrived in Madrid Leonella and her niece Antonia visit a church to hear the sermon of a celebrated priest Ambrosio and while waiting tell their story to two young men Don Lorenzo and Don Christoval. Antonia''s Grandfather is the Marquis de las Cisternas who was unhappy with his son’s marriage causing her parents to flee leaving their young son behind only to be told a month later he has died. Leonella has come to Madrid to convince the Marquis’ son Raymond de las Cisternas to resume their pension which has been cut off. As the story is told Lorenzo falls in love with Antonia. The mysterious priest who was left at the abbey as a child delivers the sermon and Antonia is fascinated with him. Lorenzo vows to win the hand of Antonia but must first visit his sister Agnes who is a nun at the nearby abbey. Having fallen asleep in the church he awakens to find someone delivering a letter for his sister from Raymond de las Cisternas. On the way home a gypsy warns Antonia that she is about to die killed by someone who appears to be honorable.This edition has been formatted for your Kindle with an active table of contents. The book has also been annotated with additional information about the novel and its author including an overview characters plot themes critiques adaptations biographical and bibliographical information.