Recs if you like The Italian...

classic literature only written by women, because why would a man be there??

these are (some of) the books mentioned in jane austen’s bookshelf by rebecca romney, who uncovers the female authors before and of austens time that may have inspired her

Overlooked, lesser known classics from all over the world and of many genres.

This list also exists as a book club on Fable under the same name.

A list of 100 gothic classics which covers over 250 years of literature, from the high-drama castles of the 1700s to the psychological "New Gothic" of today.

A mix of classics & modern literature, that have to do with the witchy, gothic and horror genres ✨

Pentiment is a 2022 game by Obsidian Entertainment, following a young painter in early 1500 Germany as he reckons with a murder at the abbey he is visiting. For lovers of the late Middle Ages, mysteries, and all the changes we go through as human beings 💫 Contains creator's Josh Sawyer's recommendations and other books with similar themes!

Dark tales of mystery, romance and the supernatural

little tbr of quintessential gothic works, all written by women authors! (still updating)

Pentiment is a visual novel done in the captivating style of illuminated manuscripts. Set in the 16th century German village of Tassing and the nearby monastery, it's about an artist charged with solving a murder. It touches on faith, the occult, class conflict, the weight of our decisions, and much more

This is a combination of books recommended by Josh Sawyer and fans as dealing with similar themes to, providing historical context about, or having similar overall vibes to the game Pentiment

nosferatu inspired reading list, books about obsessive and monstrously toxic dynamics, along with vampires and the gothic obviously.

(Almost) all books cited to be a part of the gothic genre, or having a part in creating the gothic genre (including the supernatural, romantic, and pre- & -post subgenres), in H.P Lovecraft's 28,000-word essay, “Supernatural Horror in Literature,” which is mostly based on Edith Birkhead's historical study, The Tale of Terror.

These novels, stories, plays, and poems are “fertile in the element of the weird.”

For those who might want to take a deep-dive into [part of] the genre's development.

jane austen is not, contrary to popular belief, the only women writing in the 18th century! dip your toes into some of her predecessors and contemporaries. (note: this list is in part inspired by rebecca romney's wonderful 'jane austen's bookshelf'. consider it extra credit!)

all of the books mentioned in Northanger Abbey that Catherine or another character (wants to) read

My books are my babies, some are more precious than others If I give one to you, that means I think highly of you wink

Books that may have inspired her, as documented in the book of the same name. Updating as I work my way through the source material and some supplemental reading. Note: not all of these were Austen-approved, like Fordyce's sermons, lambasted in P&P. But we are also shaped by what we consider in poor taste and judgement.