William Beckford 
Vathek 
Occult Classic

William Beckford’s ‘Vathek’ is a Gothic novel filled with exotic and fantastical elements, reflecting the author’s fascination with the Orient. The story follows the protagonist, Caliph Vathek, on a journey to acquire forbidden knowledge and power, leading to his descent into darkness and eventual damnation. Beckford’s vivid descriptions of opulent palaces, dark magic, and supernatural beings create a rich and immersive reading experience that transports the reader to a world of mystery and intrigue. The narrative style of ‘Vathek’ is characterized by its intricate plot, lush prose, and a blend of horror and fantasy elements that captivate the reader’s imagination. Beckford’s work is considered a masterpiece of Gothic literature, influencing later writers such as Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft. Beckford, a wealthy English aristocrat known for his eccentricities and vast personal library, drew inspiration from his travels in Europe and the Middle East to create the exotic setting of ‘Vathek’. His unique perspective and cultural experiences shine through in the novel, adding depth and authenticity to the story. I highly recommend ‘Vathek’ to readers who enjoy dark, atmospheric tales that delve into the human psyche and explore the consequences of unchecked ambition.

About the author

William Beckford (1760–1844) was an English novelist, art collector, and patron of the arts, best known for his Orientalist novel ‘Vathek’ (1786), which is often regarded as a pinnacle of Gothic fiction. The son of a wealthy and politically influential family, Beckford was educated privately and showed early literary promise. ‘Vathek, ‘ Beckford’s most celebrated work, is a narrative that delves into themes of power, decadence, and the supernatural, distinguished by its rich description and exotic settings, engaging readers with its portrayal of the titular caliph’s tragic downfall due to his relentless pursuit of forbidden knowledge. The book stands out for its fusion of horror, satire, and eroticism, as well as its influence on subsequent Gothic literature and its reflection of the author’s own controversial and decadent lifestyle. Beckford’s literary style combined florid prose with a fascination for the macabre, aligning him with other Gothic novelists of the era, like Ann Radcliffe and Matthew Lewis. Despite his substantial contributions to literature and the arts, Beckford’s eccentricities and scandals overshadowed his achievements in his later years, and his reclusive lifestyle accentuated his mystique. Nevertheless, his work, particularly ‘Vathek, ‘ endures as a distinct example of eighteenth-century fiction, often studied for its layered narrative and cultural portrayals that continue to captivate literary scholars.