Horace Walpole

Horace Walpole

Horatio Walpole, 4th Earl of Orford (24 September 1717 – 2 March 1797) was an English art historian, man of letters, antiquarian and Whig politician. He is now largely remembered for Strawberry Hill, the home he built in Twickenham, south-west London where he revived the Gothic style some decades before his Victorian successors, and for his Gothic novel, The Castle of Otranto. Along with the book, his literary reputation rests on his Letters, which are of significant social and political interest. He was the son of Sir Robert Walpole, and cousin of the 1st Viscount Nelson.

Read more about Horace Walpole:  Early Life: 1717–1739, Grand Tour: 1739–1741, Early Parliamentary Career: 1741–1754, Strawberry Hill, Later Parliamentary Career: 1754–1768, Later Life: 1768–1788, Last Years: 1788–1797, Writings, Formal Styles From Birth To Death

Famous quotes by horace walpole:

    “‘In short, Isabella, since I cannot give you my son, I offer you myself.’ -- ‘Heavens!’ cried Isabella ... ‘what do I hear! You, my lord! You! my father in law! the father of Conrad! the husband of the virtuous and tender Hippolita!’ -- ‘I tell you,’ said Manfred imperiously, ‘Hippolita is no longer my wife; I divorce her from this hour.’”
    —Horace Walpole (1717–1797)

    “Poetry is a beautiful way of spoiling prose, and the laborious art of exchanging plain sense for harmony.”
    —Horace Walpole (1717–1797)

    “[Corneille] was inspired by Roman authors and Roman spirit, Racine with delicacy by the polished court of Louis XIV.”
    —Horace Walpole (1717–1797)

    “Love sits enthroned in Clara’s eyes,
    The Graces play her lips around,
    And in her cheeks the tendrest dyes
    Of lilly mixed with rose are found.
    Where charms so irresistless throng
    What mortal heart can try resistance?
    But ah! her nose is two feet long,
    And bids our passions keep their distance.”
    —Horace Walpole (1717–1797)

    “An ancient prophecy ... pronounced, That the castle and lordship of Otranto should pass from the present family, whenever the real owner should be grown too large to inhabit it!”
    —Horace Walpole (1717–1797)