Ambrosio is the most admired monk in Madrid, a preacher respected for his holiness. When a young novice named Rosario turns out to be a woman named Matilda who loves him, he gives way to temptation and is led down a path of lust and crime that includes sorcery, murder and a pact with the devil. He fixes his desire on the innocent Antonia, and the subplot of a spurned lover, Raymond, provides a series of ghostly episodes and the Bleeding Nun.
An early Gothic novel written by a twenty-year-old, it is scandalous, lurid and often amusing. Readers who like classic horror and its anti-clerical streak will find it an influential read.
Balanced in tone; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Curious Generalist. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1796
- Language
- EN
