The Count of Nideck
The story revolves around the mysterious and reclusive Count of Nideck who lives in a remote castle in the Vosges Mountains. The count's life is shrouded in mystery, and his true identity remains unknown to the villagers below. Rumors abound about his past, with some believing him to be a former aristocrat, while others think he might be a criminal in hiding.
By Erckmann-Chatrian · First published 1867 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 15 chapters · 51,463 words
First lines
Towards Christmas time, in the year 1780, as I lay soundly sleeping in my room at the Swan Tavern, in Tuebingen, old Gideon Sperver burst suddenly into my room, crying, "Gaston, my boy, I have come to take you back with me to the Castle! You know Nideck, twenty miles from here, -- the estate of my master, the Count of Nideck!"
My failure to respond was perhaps due to the fact that I had not seen my worthy foster-father for twenty years, that in this time he had grown a full beard, and that now, in my half-aroused condition, he appeared before me thus, with a huge fur cap pulled down over his ears, and holding an ill-smelling lantern just under my nose.
What this Textopian page supports
The Count of Nideck is listed on Textopian as a novel by Erckmann-Chatrian, dated 1867 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Erckmann-Chatrian
- Date: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Gothic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Romance
- Length: 51,463 words
- Structure: 15 chapters, 1,046 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Count of Nideck by Erckmann-Chatrian
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Count of Nideck?
- How does this novel by Erckmann-Chatrian fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Gothic Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Wraith Of Barnjum by Thomas Anstey Guthrie
- The Oubliette by Egerton Castle
- The Forest House by Egerton Castle
- The Demoiselle Dys by Robert W. Chambers
- The Light Of Scarthey by Egerton Castle
Genres
- Gothic Fiction — The novel features elements typical of Gothic fiction, including a mysterious castle, themes of madness, and supernatural influences.
- Historical Fiction — Set in the year 1780, the story incorporates historical context and characters, reflecting the societal norms and issues of the time.
- Adventure — The journey to the Castle of Nideck and the unfolding events involve elements of adventure and exploration.
- Mystery — The plot revolves around the mysterious illness of the Count and the enigma of the 'Black Plague' woman, creating a sense of intrigue.
Tags
Gothic fiction · Mystery · Supernatural · Romance · Historical fiction · Adventure · Suspense · Thriller · Dark fantasy · Occult · Paranormal · Ghost story
Contents
- THE SUMMONS TO THE CASTLE
- I MEET THE COUNTESS
- MY FIRST NIGHT IN HUGH'S TOWER
- KNAPWURST ACQUAINTS ME WITH THE GENEALOGY OF THE NIDECKS
- I BREAKFAST WITH ODILE
- THE COUNT UNSHEATHES HIS CLAWS
- MARIE LAGOUTTE RELATES HER EXPERIENCE
- SEBALT TRACKS THE PLAGUE
- THE PLAGUE IN MY CHAMBER. - THE MIDNIGHT SCENE ON THE ALTENBERG
- I LOSE MY WAY AND PASS THE NIGHT IN THE DWARF'S LODGE
- I AM SUMMONED TO THE COUNTESS' CHAMBER, AND MAKE A CONFESSION
- WE CHASE THE PLAGUE. - HER DEATH
- THE BARON'S STORY. - HE DISAPPEARS
- THE BOAR HUNT
- THE BANQUET. THE DWARF EXPLAINS THE MYSTERY OF THE NIDECK HOUSE