Book Cover of The History of the Caliph Vathek

The History of the Caliph Vathek

by William Beckford

This is one of the earliest Gothic novels. The Caliph Vathek is one of the wealthiest and most powerful men who ever lived. But this is not enough for him. He seeks also forbidden knowledge, and doesn't care who he has to hurt to get it. Aided by his depraved mother Carathis, Vathek proceeds to damn himself, and those around him.

Book Details

Language

English

Original Language

French

Published In

1786

Author

William Beckford image

William Beckford

United States

William Thomas Beckford was an English novelist. He was also an art collector and patron of works of decorative art, a critic, travel writer, plantation owner and sometime politician, reputed at one s...

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