Vathek; An Arabian Tale by William Beckford

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About this eBook

Author Beckford, William, 1760-1844
Contributor North, William, -1854
Title Vathek; An Arabian Tale
Note Reading ease score: 61.4 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
Credits This ebook was transcribed by Les Bowler
Summary "Vathek; An Arabian Tale" by William Beckford is a novel written in the late 18th century. The story follows the indulgent and curious Caliph Vathek, who is consumed by his desires for knowledge and pleasure, ultimately leading him into a supernatural quest filled with danger and temptation. The character Vathek embodies a sensuous and extravagant lifestyle, seeking enlightenment through forbidden means, and the narrative hints at darker themes under this opulence. The opening of "Vathek" introduces us to the title character, the ninth Caliph of the Abbasid dynasty, who is portrayed as both majestic and terrifying. His insatiable appetite for pleasure drives him to construct multiple palaces dedicated to satisfying each of his five senses. However, his curiosity pushes him to seek knowledge beyond reason, ultimately disrupting the peace in his realm. When a mysterious stranger appears, offering rare curiosities and knowledge, Vathek's obsession deepens, culminating in his decision to pursue the secrets of heaven through increasingly reckless actions. As the narrative unfolds, foreshadowing hints at the perilous consequences of necking knowledge with desire, setting the stage for the ensuing drama of his hubris and the dark forces at play. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PQ: Language and Literatures: Romance literatures: French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
Subject Fantasy fiction
Subject Gothic fiction
Subject Arab countries -- Fiction
Subject Middle East -- Fiction
Category Text
EBook-No. 42401
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Mar 19, 2015
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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