Publisher's Synopsis
Vathek: An Arabian Tale is a gothic novel written by the English author William Beckford and was first published in 1786. The novel tells the story of Caliph Vathek, the ninth caliph of the Abassides, who is consumed by his desire for power and knowledge. Vathek is a cruel and tyrannical ruler who seeks to achieve immortality and god-like status. He embarks on a journey to the underworld, accompanied by his mother, to seek the assistance of the jinn to fulfill his ambitions. However, his quest for power and knowledge leads him down a dark path, and he ultimately pays a terrible price for his hubris. The novel is set in the exotic and mysterious world of the Arabian Nights, and it features elements of horror, fantasy, and the supernatural. It is a richly imaginative and vividly descriptive work that transports the reader to a world of opulence, decadence, and danger. The novel also explores themes of greed, ambition, and the corrupting influence of power. Vathek: An Arabian Tale has been praised for its lush prose, vivid imagery, and imaginative storytelling. It is considered a classic of gothic literature and has influenced many writers in the genre. This 1868 edition of the novel includes an introduction by the editor, Charles Whibley, which provides context and analysis of the work.With Notes, Critical And Explanatory.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
