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Nightmare Abbey


"Nightmare Abbey" is perhaps the most extravagant of all
Peacock's stories, and, with the exception of "Headlong Hall,"
it obtained more vogue on its publication in 1818 than any of
his other works. It is eminently characteristic of its
author--the eighteenth century Rabelaisian pagan who prided
himself on his antagonism towards religion, yet whose likes
and dislikes were invariably inspired by hatred of cant and
enthusiasm for progress. The hero of the story is easily
distinguishable as the poet Shelley. On the whole the
characters are more life-like presentations of humanity than
those of "Headlong Hall." Simple and weak though the plot is,
the reader is carried along to the end through a brilliant
maze of wit and satire; underneath which outward show of
irresponsible fun there pervades a gloomy note of tragedy.


_I.--Mr. Glowry and His Son_


Nightmare Abbey, a venerable family mansion in a highly picturesque
state of semi-dilapidation, in the county of, Lincoln, had the honour to
be the seat of Christopher Glowry, Esquire, a gentleman much troubled