William Beckford
William Thomas Beckford was an English novelist, art critic, travel writer, and politician. He is best known for his Gothic novel 'Vathek' and his extravagant lifestyle, which included the construction of Fonthill Abbey.
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
An Arabian Tale
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 711th Greatest Book of All Time
