VATHEK (OXFORD WORLDS CLASSICS) (PB)

The Caliph Vathek is dissolute and debauched, and hungry for knowledge. When the mysterious Giaour offers him boundless treasure and unrivalled power he is willing to sacrifice his god, the lives of innocent children, and his own soul to satisfy his obsession. Originally written by Beckford in French at the age of only 21, its dreamlike qualities have influenced writers from Byron to H. P. Lovecraft. This edition reprints Beckford's authorized English text of 1816 with its elaborate and entertaining notes. Introduction by Thomas Keymer.