"Titus Groan" is the first novel in the Gormenghast series by author Mervyn Peake. Published in 1946, it introduces the reader to the vast, decaying castle of Gormenghast, where the Groan family has ruled for generations. The story follows the life of the heir, Titus Groan, as he navigates the complex and often bizarre world of the castle's inhabitants. The novel is known for its rich, descriptive prose and intricate character development. It explores themes of tradition, isolation, and the struggle for identity within the confines of a rigid social structure. The unique setting and imaginative storytelling have made "Titus Groan" a classic of 20th-century literature.