Showing results by author "William Beckford" in All Categories

Written in 1786, this Asian fantasy tells the story of a dissolute and debauched Caliph, Vathek. Having become obsessed with power and immortality, Vathek embarks on a journey to obtain supernatural powers, in pursuit of which he proves willing to renounce his religion and sacrifice both his children and his soul. We follow Vathek’s remarkable travels to the subterranean palace of Eblis, where his ultimate fate awaits him. Among the themes explored in Vathek are ambition, desire and the consequence of unbridled power

This is one of the earliest Gothic novels. The Caliph Vathek is one of the wealthiest and most powerful men who ever lived. But this is not enough for him. He seeks also forbidden knowledge, and doesn't care who he has to hurt to get it. Aided by his depraved mother Carathis, Vathek proceeds to damn himself, and those around him. (Introduction by MorganScorpion)

The Declaration of Independence is a monumental document in which the Thirteen Colonies boldly declared their independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, articulating their reasons for this historic decision. Ratified by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, it stands as a symbol of freedom and the pursuit of self-governance. (Summary from wikipedia.org)

"Venedig", einer der schönsten Reiseberichte der Weltliteratur, entstammt den Aufzeichnungen des einundzwanzigjährigen William Beckford von seiner "Grand Tour", die ihn von England über Belgien, Holland, Deutschland und Österreich im Jahre 1780 nach Italien brachte. Während der zehnmonatigen Reise führte Beckford ein Tagebuch, in das er täglich verknappte, skizzenhafte Eintragungen machte; sie bilden das Rohmaterial, das er ein Jahr später einer radikalen Bearbeitung und Formung unterwarf.