The New Monk (Gothic Classics) by R.S.

by R.S.

First appearing in 1798 during the scandal that followed the publication of M.G. Lewis's "The Monk," "The New Monk" is a ruthless parody of Lewis's Gothic masterpiece.In this dismantling of the "Monk" tale by "R.S., Esq.," Lewis's Spanish monk Ambrosio is replaced by Joshua Pentateuch, a Methodist minister in London. Like Lewis's monk, Joshua is renowned for his piety and eloquence. But this monk is willing to sell his soul, not to possess a beautiful woman, but to get his hands on her money...and a juicy leg of mutton.Ostensibly a scathing indictment of Lewis's immorality and an attempt to ridicule his novel, "The New Monk" ironically descends to a level even more grotesque and shocking than "The Monk." Out of print since its initial publication more than two centuries ago and available in only a handful of libraries worldwide, "The New Monk" remains fascinating both as Gothic parody and as a unique look at the 1790s London where Gothic novels were being created and consumed. This edition features a new introduction and notes by Elizabeth Andrews as well as explanatory footnotes.

Genres: Classics, Gothic

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1798

Reviews

[Karen Kohoutek · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I thought I was going to give this satirical take on Matthew Lewis' "The Monk" a respectable 4-star "I really liked it" rating. There's definite humor value in taking the activities that Gothic readers expected in Italy or Spain and placing them in contemporary middle-class London, and having the preacher's sins be gluttony and avarice rather than lust, but some of the satire seemed a bit light-weight. As the story progressed, though, giving versions of "The Monk"'s various subplots, it became pretty absorbing, and in the end, I did love it!