"Gormenghast" is a fantasy novel written by Mervyn Peake, first published in 1950. It is the second book in the Gormenghast series, which follows the life of Titus Groan, the heir to the crumbling castle of Gormenghast. The story is set in a vast, decaying castle filled with elaborate rituals and eccentric characters. The novel explores themes of tradition, isolation, and the struggle for identity. The castle itself, with its labyrinthine corridors and ancient customs, serves as a character in its own right, influencing the lives of its inhabitants. The series is known for its rich, descriptive prose and intricate world-building.