Vathek
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William Thomas Beckford (1 Oct 1760 – 2 May 1844), was an English writer, politician and art collector and of decorative art. He was Member of Well’s Parliament for Wells in 1784-1790, Hindon’s in 1790-1795 and 1806-1820. He is mostly known for his gothic novels, such as Vathek, building of the Fonthill Abbey and Lansdown Tower, and his vast art collection. Beckford also wrote a considerable amount of music, much of it was with the assistance of his amanuensis, John Burton.
Vathek is a novel by William Beckford. The story follows Caliph Vathek and his downfall as he casts his prudence to the winds. Vathek’s rule began when he was young, and power corrupted him, he turned violent, quick-tempered and addicted to pleasures. Even his thirst for knowledge was twisted, for he does not care whether he is wrong or not. Nothing would stop him walking tall his road to hell, even when the point of no return is so close. Is there a chance for salvation for the tainted Caliph?
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First published in 1782, this ornate, orientalist work of supernatural horror from Beckford (1759 1840) is a fever dream for the senses. The evil Caliph Vathek is a glutton for all things worldly. He already has five palaces devoted to the senses (each given flowery names, including "The Palace of Perfumes or The Incentive to Pleasure" and "The Eternal or Unsatiating Banquet"), but when a giaour arrives with treasures unimaginable, Vathek wants more. Prodded by his mother, Carathis, a woman more lustful and despicable than her son, Vathek undertakes a journey to the fabled Palace of Subterranean Fire, hoping to gain supernatural powers. Along the way there are human sacrifices, spells, debauchery, and villainy. The emphasis on how evil every element of Vathek's life is (even his camel is nefarious) gives rise to some darkly comic moments. The protracted descriptions of riches and feasts are slow going, but in the stirring finale Beckford's gothic prose shines, and it's easy to see how this overlooked classic influenced the writing of Byron, Lovecraft, and Poe. This fantastical, over-the-top story will appeal to devotees of early horror.
