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.

  1. 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.