Beckford, William 1760-1844 creator North, William -1854 text utu 2013 monographic en 1 online resource : multiple file formats "Vathek; An Arabian Tale" by William Beckford is a Gothic novel composed in French beginning in 1782 and first published in English in 1786. The story follows Vathek, a tyrannical ninth caliph consumed by insatiable thirst for forbidden knowledge. When a mysterious stranger offers him access to the legendary Palace of Underground Fire and its supernatural powers, Vathek descends into increasingly dark acts, sacrificing innocents and renouncing his faith. His obsessive quest leads him toward Istakhr and a fate that promises either ultimate power or eternal damnation. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vathek Release date is 2013-03-24 This ebook was transcribed by Les Bowler Original publication data not identified Fantasy fiction Gothic fiction Arab countries -- Fiction Middle East -- Fiction PQ Original publication data not identified https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42401 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42401 UtSlPG 260607 20260610133953.0 42401