Beckford's Gothic novel , The History of the Caliph Vathek , an Arabian tale, was originally written in French when the author was 21. It is the story of Caliph Vathek , whose eye can kill at a glance, and who makes a pact with the Devil, Eblis. There is a touch of the Arabian Nights about this and it is set somewhere in the Middle East. It concerns wealthy potentate Caliph Vathek and his exceptionally cruel and evil mother Carathis. Vathek is fabulously wealthy, has lots of eunuchs, lots of wives, loves the pleasures ...
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Beckford's Gothic novel , The History of the Caliph Vathek , an Arabian tale, was originally written in French when the author was 21. It is the story of Caliph Vathek , whose eye can kill at a glance, and who makes a pact with the Devil, Eblis. There is a touch of the Arabian Nights about this and it is set somewhere in the Middle East. It concerns wealthy potentate Caliph Vathek and his exceptionally cruel and evil mother Carathis. Vathek is fabulously wealthy, has lots of eunuchs, lots of wives, loves the pleasures of the flesh, has built a Babel like tower and is also thirsty for knowledge. Promised the jewels and talismans of the pre-Adamic kings, he embarks on an inverted pilgrim's progress with a suitable ending. The story is based around Arabian Tales and involves genies, djinn and even The Prophet putting in his views from heaven. Vathek desires more wealth and more power and that is where the "fun" begins. We have mysterious strangers, lots of acts of cruelty and immorality, magic artifacts and talismans, sacrifice (of children), pursuit of glory, feasting, pride and a journey to find treasure and fortune. The last twenty pages with the descriptions of hell are quite fun when everyone gets what they deserve. However grotesque and bizarre the story, two of its central characters are historical. Vathek is based on al-Wathiq, an Abbasid caliph and grandson of Harun al-Rashid, and his mother Carathis is based on al-Wathiq's mother, Qaratis. Facts and Trivia: Keats certainly was influenced by Beckford's descriptions of the underworld. Lovecraft and Poe were also influenced as have been other writers in the fantasy genre. Scroll Up and Grab Your Copy! Great Classics: The Call of the Wild by Jack London https: //... White Fang by Jack London https: //... The Game by Jack London https: //... Brown Wolf and Other Stories by Jack London https: //... Smoke Bellew by Jack London https: //... Maggie: A Girl of the Streets by Stephen Crane https: //... The Open Boat and Other Stories by Stephen Crane https: //... The Black Riders and Other Lines by Stephen Crane https: //... Lady Susan by Jane Austen https: //... Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen https: //... Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen https: //... Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen https: //... Persuasion by Jane Austen https: //... Love and Friendship by Jane Austen https: //... Daisy Miller (1879) by Henry James https: //... Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu https: //... Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte https: //...
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Add this copy of The History of the Caliph Vathek to cart. $6.20, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2018 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform.
Add this copy of The History of the Caliph Vathek to cart. $9.55, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2012 by SMK Books.
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Add this copy of The History of the Caliph Vathek to cart. $10.43, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2012 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform.
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Add this copy of The History of the Caliph Vathek to cart. $11.26, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2020 by Notion Press.
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This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. No dust jacket. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 650grams, ISBN:
Add this copy of The History of the Caliph Vathek to cart. $20.08, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2010 by Wildside Press.
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