William Beckford
William Beckford (1 October 1760 – 2 May 1844) was an English novelist, art collector, and politician. He is most famous for his novel 'Vathek', an Orientalist fantasy that showcases his imaginative writing style and serves as a classic of Gothic fiction. Beckford was also known for his extravagant lifestyle and the construction of Fonthill Abbey, a grand Gothic revival mansion. Despite his wealth and influence, his personal life was marred by scandal, and he spent much of his life in self-imposed exile from English society.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Vathek
This gothic novel follows the story of Vathek, a cruel and decadent ninth-century Caliph who, driven by his insatiable quest for knowledge and power, makes a pact with the devil, Iblis. In exchange for unlimited power, Vathek promises to sacrifice his children. The narrative takes a dark turn as Vathek descends into a hell of his own making, filled with torment and regret, ultimately leading to his downfall. The novel explores themes of ambition, morality, and the destructive potential of unregulated power.
The 1151st Greatest Book of All Time
