Gaston de Blondeville

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Gaston de Blondeville
Author Ann Radcliffe
Publisher
Released 1826

Gaston de Blondeville is an 1826 Gothic novel by noted British author Ann Radcliffe.

[edit] Review

The book is described as a "drawn out and sometimes rambling, the plot lacking in impetus"[1], but is notable as being the last novel to be both written (circa 1802) and published (in 1826, posthumously) by Ms. Radcliffe. The book is noteworthy for its detailed descriptions of locations.[2]

[edit] Plot Synopsis

Set in the 13th century court of England's King Henry III the novel centers around the wedding of the title character. The wedding is interrupted by a merchant who claims to have been wronged by Gaston, in that Gaston murdered his kinsman. Henry is forced to hold a trial to determine the validity of the claims. The plot is further complicated by the machinations of an abbot who tries to suppress the truth, and by ghosts who want to expose the truth.[3]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Facer, Ruth Chawton House Library and Study Center biography of Ann Radcliffe
  2. ^ ibid
  3. ^ Amazon.com review of Gaston de Blondeville