Vathek by Eric J Guignard
A chilling addition to the Haunted Library of Horror Classics.When you have all you could ever want-power, wealth, influence, status-what's left to wish for?
First published in 1786, William Beckford's classic tale combines the lush setting of The Arabian Nights with a gothic nightmare. Vathek, the fierce ninth caliph of the Abassides, has the world at his feet. Nothing is beyond his grasp, until a hideous stranger sells him glowing swords with letters on them that cannot be translated even by experts-because the letters keep changing as if by magic!
Obsessed with obtaining the stranger's knowledge, Vathek undertakes an increasingly horrific search as he ventures into the underworld, meeting demons and witches. Will anything be enough to turn him from his foolish and terrifying quest? Or will the lust for power prove too strong to resist?
Featuring an introduction by acclaimed writer Joe R. Lansdale, the Haunted Library of Horror Classics is proud to present this classic gothic horror novel.
A timeless exploration of power, greed, and often elusive redemption, this shining example of literary occult horror poses the question- are the answers to ancient secrets worth your soul?
Perfect for fans of Edgar Allan Poe and Bram StokerFor readers who enjoy classical literature and horror novelsCollect all of the Haunted Library of Horror Classics
William Beckford (1760-1844) was an English novelist, art collector, slaveowner, and politician. Born in London, he inherited a massive fortune from his father, a former Lord Mayor of London, as well as an estate in Wiltshire and sugar plantations in Jamaica with around 3,000 African slaves. He lived in ease and luxury, studying music with Mozart and drawing with Alexander Cozens while leading a semi-open bisexual lifestyle. Inspired by a Grand Tour of Europe, Beckford published a travel narrative, Dreams, Waking Thoughts and Incidents (1783). Several years later, he wrote Vathek (1786), a popular Gothic novel originally drafted in French. He earned a reputation as an obsessive art collector and eccentric builder, burning through his fortune at an alarming rate. Throughout his life, he owned and sold original works by Turner, Blake, Velü¾Œ–”¼zquez, Lippi, and the Bellini family.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781492699743 |
| ISBN 10 | 1492699748 |
| Title | Vathek |
| Author | Eric J Guignard |
| Series | Haunted Library Horror Classics |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Sourcebooks, Inc |
| Year published | 2020-09-18 |
| Number of pages | 176 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |