3Si ' liomajices and Novels* [Chap. XlXr 



The last age is also distinguislied by some pro- 

 ductions of a singular kind, partaking of the ex- 

 travagance of the ancient Uomance, with some of 

 the attributes of the modern NoveL The Castle of 

 Otranto^ by Lord Orford, better known by the 

 name of Horace Walpole, was one of the earliest 

 and most remarkable productions of this kind. 

 To the same class, though in many respects differ- 

 ent, belong the works of Mrs. Radcliffe. This 

 lady has formed for herself a department of fiction 

 which may be called new. She has been justly 

 styled '' the Shakspeare of romance writers," and 

 displays a skill altogether unrivalled ^* in com- 

 municating terrific impressions from imaginary 

 causes." But it is a remarkable peculiarity of her 

 narratives, and greatly augments her title to praise, 

 that, while the scenes which she exhibits abound 

 with wildness and terrour, yet they are so softened 

 down, and the mind so much relieved by' beauti- 

 ful description and pathetic incident, that the 

 impression of the whole seldom becomes too strong, 

 and never degenerates into horrour; but pleasurable 

 emotion is the predominating result. It ought, 

 likewise, to be mentioned to her honour, that the 

 general tendency of her writings is favourable to 

 virtue*. 



indubitable authority, that his mother, who kept a school, having 

 run in debt, on account [of an extravagant daughter, would have 

 rotted in jail if the parents of her scholars had not raised a su^b- 

 scription for her. Her son had too much sentiment to have any 

 feeling. A dtad asa was more important to him than a living 

 mothtrj" Walpoliatia, vol. i. 



* The MysttrU's of Udulpho, the Romance of the Forest, and 

 U'he Italian, are considered as tlie best performances of this lady. 



