The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne by Ann Radcliffe

Synopsis

Ann Radcliffe's first novel is set in the Middle Ages against the melancholy beauty of mountains and rugged coasts of the Scottish Highlands, tells the story of the warring clan chieftains of Athlin and Dunbayne. One of the earliest Gothic tales (1789), it recounts low-born Alleyn's quest for love and honour, and alternates scenes of passionate feeling with breakneck pursuits. The castle itself, in all its romantic sublimity, becomes the true focal point of the novel. Long out of print, this edition makes a little-known treasure available to modern readers.

Annotation

Set in the Middle Ages against the melancholy beauty of mountains and rugged coasts of the Scottish Highlands, this book tells the story of the warring clan chieftains of Athlin and Dunbayne, recounting low-born Alleyn's quest for love and honor. One of the earliest Gothic tales, it alternates scenes of passionate feeling with breakneck pursuit.

Biography

Alison Milbank is a freelance writer and editor. She has also edited Ann Radcliffe's A Sicillian Romance in World's Classics