Caroline Lamb's Glenarvon

This scandalous gothic horror novel is a thinly veiled portrayal of early nineteenth-century England's members of high society, which ultimately destroyed the reputation of its author Lady Caroline Lamb.


Lamb disguises herself as the alluring and impulsive Lady Calantha, who's married to the respectable Lord Avondale (William Lamb). Yet when the lady meets the seductive Lord Glenarvon, an unflattering depiction of Lord Byron, her life takes a tumultuous turn and they fall into a passionate and destructive relationship while trying to evade ruin.


Set during the Irish rebellion of 1798, Glenarvon was first published in 1816 to great commercial success. The sensation novel caused an intense stir amongst England's high society, with even Queen Victoria requesting a copy. This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. Combining political unrest, emotional intensity, and vivid descriptions, this volume is not to be missed by fans of gothic literature.