The gothic narrative developed in the 18th century and was well received by the public of the time. Some works of this genre have become classics. As we know that you are attracted to this genre, we present you this selection of gothic novels in PDF format.
The first gothic novels have a strong romantic setting. The first of them was The Castle of Otranto (1764) by Horace Walpol and there was production within the genre until the first decade of the 19th century.
All the works were characterized by dark and gloomy landscapes. They also abound in medieval architecture, especially castles.
In these castles there are countless distressing and terrifying things like dragging chains, heartbreaking screams, presence of monsters, ghosts, demons or strange and grotesque beings.
In this type of novel you feel a strong atmosphere of suspense that usually does not leave the reader until the end. Check out this great collection of more than 25 gothic novels in PDF format, ready for free download on any of your electronic devices.
Gothic Novels
#1 Northanger Abbey
Extension: PDF | 170 pages
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen explores Catherine Morland's journey as she navigates society and love, influenced by Gothic novels. It cleverly satirizes genre conventions while offering a charming story about growing up and finding real romance.
#2 The Picture of Dorian Gray
Extension: PDF | 181 pages
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde explores themes of beauty, morality, and the consequences of hedonism. This classic novel offers a compelling narrative that delves into the darker aspects of human nature, making it a captivating read.
#3 The Phantom of the Opera
Extension: PDF | 236 pages
The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux unveils a chilling tale of obsession and mystery within the grand Paris Opera House. Explore the dark depths of human nature and the haunting power of music in this classic gothic novel.
#4 The Castle of Otranto
Extension: PDF | 106 pages
The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole, a foundational Gothic novel, blends medieval romance with supernatural terror. Explore themes of prophecy, lineage, and tyranny in this classic tale that set the stage for the genre.
#5 Frankenstein
Extension: PDF | 331 pages
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, a cornerstone of gothic novels, explores the dangers of unchecked ambition and scientific hubris. The novel's themes of isolation, creation, and moral responsibility make it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
#6 Dracula
Extension: PDF | 606 pages
Dracula by Bram Stoker is a cornerstone of gothic horror, telling the story of Count Dracula's attempt to spread his vampiric curse in England. Its enduring influence and suspenseful narrative makes it an essential read for gothic enthusiasts.
#7 The Monk
Extension: PDF | 371 pages
The Monk by Matthew Gregory Lewis is a cornerstone of Gothic literature, filled with suspense, horror, and supernatural elements. Explore the dark side of human nature and the corrupting influence of power in this compelling read.
#8 The Turn of the Screw
Extension: PDF | 190 pages
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James explores a governess's descent into madness as she battles unseen forces for the souls of two children. A compelling read for gothic enthusiasts, filled with suspense and psychological intrigue.
#9 The Mysteries of Udolpho
Extension: PDF | 783 pages
The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe is a classic gothic novel, filled with suspense, mystery, and romance set in the stunning landscapes of Southern France and Italy. Explore themes of virtue, oppression, and the power of imagination in this enduring tale of a young woman's journey through fear and self-discovery.
#10 Wuthering Heights
Extension: PDF | 548 pages
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë is a classic gothic novel exploring themes of love, revenge, and social class on the Yorkshire moors. It's a compelling read showcasing the dark side of human nature and the enduring power of the past.
#11 Vathek
Extension: PDF | 69 pages
Vathek by William Beckford is a captivating Arabian tale filled with gothic elements and dark fantasy. Explore the exotic and terrifying journey of Caliph Vathek, a powerful ruler consumed by insatiable desires.
#12 Jane Eyre
Extension: PDF | 813 pages
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë tells the story of a young orphan's journey to independence, filled with gothic elements and emotional depth. This PDF provides a detailed narrative exploring themes of social class, love, and self-discovery, offering readers a compelling and timeless experience.
#13 Carmilla
Extension: PDF | 76 pages
Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu, a quintessential gothic novella, explores themes of vampirism, forbidden desire, and isolation. Its atmospheric setting and psychological depth offer a captivating glimpse into the genre's core elements.
#14 The Vampyre
Extension: PDF | 34 pages
The Vampyre by John William Polidori is a cornerstone of gothic literature, offering a chilling tale of aristocratic vampirism. Dive into this classic and explore its profound influence on the vampire mythos.
#15 Melmoth the Wanderer
Extension: PDF | 595 pages
Melmoth the Wanderer by Charles Maturin delves into the chilling tale of a man cursed to wander the earth, seeking a replacement for his pact with the devil. This PDF explores themes of ambition, morality, and the supernatural, offering a compelling read for gothic literature enthusiasts.
#16 The Fall of the House of Usher
Extension: PDF | 24 pages
The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe is a quintessential gothic tale exploring themes of isolation, decay, and the interconnectedness of mind and environment. Immerse yourself in a world of eerie atmosphere and psychological suspense, making it a must-read for gothic literature enthusiasts.
#17 The Hound of the Baskervilles
Extension: PDF | 132 pages
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle is a thrilling mystery set in the eerie moors of Devonshire, England. This gothic tale masterfully blends suspense, folklore, and deduction, offering a gripping read that explores the dark secrets of an aristocratic family.
#18 Wieland
Extension: PDF | 138 pages
Wieland by Charles Brockden Brown is a foundational work of American Gothic literature, exploring themes of religious fanaticism, psychological manipulation, and family tragedy. This early novel sets a dark, suspenseful atmosphere and delves into the minds of its characters, making it a compelling read for those interested in the genre's origins.
#19 A Sicilian Romance
Extension: PDF | 105 pages
A Sicilian Romance by Ann Radcliffe is an early gothic novel filled with mystery, familial secrets, and dramatic escapes set against the backdrop of a decaying castle. Readers will be captivated by the tale of virtue tested and the promise of a thrilling, atmospheric read.
#20 The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
Extension: PDF | 816 pages
The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo explores themes of love, prejudice, and societal injustice through the story of Quasimodo and Esmeralda. This classic novel provides a compelling look at 15th-century Paris and the human condition, making it a worthwhile read.
#21 The Italian
Extension: PDF | 434 pages
The Italian by Ann Radcliffe is a classic example of a gothic novel, exploring themes of mystery, persecution, and religious corruption. It is a compelling read for those interested in the origins and development of the gothic genre.
#22 The House of the Seven Gables
Extension: PDF | 212 pages
The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne explores themes of guilt, inheritance, and redemption within a decaying family mansion. This captivating romance delves into the intertwined fates of the Pyncheon family and the curse that haunts their lineage, making it a must-read for gothic literature enthusiasts.
#23 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Extension: PDF | 33 pages
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving is a timeless tale of superstition and suspense in a quaint Dutch settlement. The story brilliantly blends elements of folklore, romance, and the supernatural, captivating readers with its atmospheric descriptions and memorable characters.
#24 The Tell-Tale Heart
Extension: PDF | 7 pages
The Tell-Tale Heart por Edgar Allan Poe is a chilling exploration of guilt and madness, told through the first-person narrative of a disturbed individual. This short story masterfully utilizes suspense and psychological horror, making it a quintessential read for fans of gothic literature.
#25 In a Glass Darkly
Extension: PDF | 359 pages
In a Glass Darkly by Sheridan Le Fanu offers a collection of five chilling stories exploring themes of the supernatural and psychological horror. Delve into the eerie narratives and experience the subtle terror that made Le Fanu a master of the gothic genre.
#26 The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Extension: PDF | 96 pages
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson explores the duality of human nature. Dive into this gothic novella and discover the terrifying tale of a respected doctor and his monstrous alter ego.
#27 The Woman in White
Extension: PDF | 395 pages
The Expedition of Humphry Clinker by Tobias Smollett is an epistolary novel offering a satirical and humorous portrayal of 18th-century British society. Follow the Bramble family's journey and enjoy the sharp wit and social commentary.
#28 The Beetle
Extension: PDF | 236 pages
The Beetle by Richard Marsh presents a thrilling tale of ancient evil resurfacing in Victorian England. Explore themes of possession, xenophobia, and psychological horror in this gripping gothic novel.
#29 Salathiel the Immortal
Extension: PDF | 594 pages
Tarry Thou Till I Come by George Croly tells the story of Salathiel, a Jew prince, condemned to immortality. A compelling tale of suffering and redemption, it explores religious conflict and the search for meaning across centuries.
At the end we invite you to visit:
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Here ends our selection of free Gothic Novels in PDF format. We hope you liked it and already have your next book!
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