Nightmare Abbey & Crotchet Castle (Penguin English Library El 45)

Nightmare Abbey is absolutely wonderful for the most part. Love Peacock has a very witty and slightly subversive take on the concept of Romanticism. His attacks on the melancholy aspects of the period are especially amusing, the owner of Nightmare Abbey who only employs servants with depressing looks, and even more depressing names is brilliantly written. The only downside to the novel is the dialogue which I found quite difficult in comparison to the main narrative, but it was definately worth the effort.

This is easily one of the funniest books I have ever read. Two separate novels from one of the premier wits and classical scholars of the last century, both dealing with contemporary figures, mildly disguised, and contemporary issues. If you find Gothic novels far too over the top, or delight in parody of the likes of Byron, Coleridge, and Shelley, you'll love this book, which includes touching descriptions of British landscape along with its heavy dose of good-natured mockery. The introduction and footnotes are gems as well. If only the complete run of Peacock novels were in print in this fashion.A must for anyone interested in Romanticism, British history, and good fun!