William Beckford

Prefacio de Stéphane Mallarmé. Traducción y notas de Mauro Armiño.Tres días y dos noches bastaron a William Beckford (1760-1844)para escribir «Vathek» (1787), una rara obra maestradel horror gótico q

This carefully crafted ebook: "Vathek (A Gothic Novel: the Original Translation by Reverend Samuel Henley)" is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents. This Beckfords novel, translated by Samuel Henley, was originally written in French when the author was 21. It was composed in French beginning in 1782, and then translated into English by Reverend Samuel Henley in which form it was first published in 1786. It is the story of Caliph Vathek, whose eye can kill at a glance, who makes a pact with the Devil, Eblis. The Caliph Vathek is dissolute and debauched, and hungry for knowledge. When the mysterious Giaour offers him boundless treasure and unrivalled power he is willing to sacrifice his god, the lives of innocent children, and his own soul to satisfy his obsession. Vatheks extraordinary journey to the subterranean palace of Eblis, and the terrifying fate that there awaits him, is a captivating tale of magic and oriental fantasy, sudden violence and corrupted love, whose mix of moral fable, grotesque comedy, and evocative beauty defies classification. Thomas Beckford ( 1760 1844), usually known as William Beckford, was an English novelist, a profligate and consummately knowledgeable art collector and patron of works of decorative art, a critic, travel writer and sometime politician, reputed at one stage in his life to be the richest commoner in England.

La Excursión a Alcobaça y Batalha, publicada originalmente en 1835, es (junto con el cuento Vathek) la obra mejor de aquel raro, aristócrata, maldito y sublime heterodoxo que fue William Beckford.Es el recuerdo, desde su vejez inglesa, de un placentero viaje, en dias de juventud, entre Lisboa y los dos celebres monasterios goticos de Portugal. Pero, ante todo, es una leccion (en la memoria) de placer y alegria, entre un leve color local romantico, muchas curiosidades, y literatura de la mejor.

"The History of Caliph Vathek" is a richly woven narrative that emerges from the vibrant tapestry of Gothic literature, blending elements of Orientalism with the sublime. This 1786 work features the extravagant and tyrannical caliph Vathek, whose insatiable thirst for knowledge and power leads him on a darkly comical quest through fantastical realms. Beckfords elaborate prose, infused with sensuous imagery and allegorical depth, compels readers to explore themes of excess, ambition, and moral decline, all nestled within a captivating narrative that oscillates between the fantastical and the grotesque. The cultural milieu of the late 18th century, marked by fascination with the East and its perceived mysteries, serves as a backdrop that enriches the texts exploration of the human condition under the strain of indulgence and greed. William Beckford, an English novelist, art collector, and traveler, was profoundly influenced by his encounters with the exotic landscapes and cultures of the East, alongside the artistic movements of his time. His privileged upbringing and extensive travels inform the opulent vision encapsulated in "Vathek," offering readers a glimpse into the mind of a man whose life was characterized by the pursuit of beauty and excess. This background, combined with his unique perspective on societal norms, allows Beckford to craft a narrative both critical and celebratory of the themes he explores. "The History of Caliph Vathek" stands as a seminal work that invites modern readers to ponder the consequences of unchecked desire and the pursuit of the unattainable. Its rich narrative style and thought-provoking themes make it a compelling addition to any literary canon. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the intersections of Eastern and Western thought, as well as those who appreciate a masterful blend of adventure, philosophy, and introspection.

In "Italy; with Sketches of Spain and Portugal," William Beckford presents a vivid and immersive exploration of the landscapes, cultures, and people encountered during his travels through the Iberian Peninsula. Characterized by a richly descriptive literary style, the work intertwines personal anecdotes with astute observations, capturing the essence of each locale with an almost painterly quality. Beckfords narrative unfolds against the backdrop of early 19th-century Europe, framing his explorations within the context of Romanticism, a movement that emphasized individual experience and the sublime beauty of nature. William Beckford, an English novelist, and travel writer, was deeply influenced by his privileged upbringing and extensive travels across Europe. His literary prowess is evident in both his fiction, particularly in the Gothic masterpiece "Vathek," and his travel writings. Beckfords firsthand experiences in Italy, Spain, and Portugal inspired his fascination with the picturesque and the exotic, revealing a writer driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to transport his readers to distant lands. This book is highly recommended for anyone who appreciates eloquent travel writing and seeks to understand the cultural landscapes of Southern Europe during a transformative period in history. Beckfords insightful reflections and lush descriptions invite readers to embark on a journey that not only enhances their understanding of these countries but also deepens their appreciation for the art of travel itself.In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:- A succinct Introduction situates the works timeless appeal and themes.- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the eras events and influences that shaped the writing.- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the works messages, connecting them to modern life.- Handpicked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

In "Vathek; An Arabian Tale," William Beckford crafts a rich tapestry of gothic romance and decadent fantasy, exploring themes of ambition, desire, and moral transgression within an exotic and evocative Arabesque landscape. Set in the fabled Caliphate of the 8th century, the narrative follows the opulent yet tyrannical Caliph Vathek, whose insatiable lust for knowledge and power leads him to a perilous pact with supernatural forces. Beckfords prose is characterized by lush descriptions and a mastery of psychological depth, reflecting the influences of the Romantic movement and the fascination with the Orient prevalent during his time. The book stands as both a critique of Western imperialistic fantasies and a profound examination of the human souls darker inclinations. William Beckford (1760-1844), a wealthy English politician and writer, was deeply influenced by his travels across Europe and the Middle East, where he developed an appreciation for Eastern cultures and aesthetics. His penchant for the exotic and the sublime translated into literature, allowing him to break away from the conventional narratives of his contemporaries, paving the way for a unique blend of fantasy and horror. Beckfords own artistic pursuits and his explorations into the realms of the grotesque and the extravagant echo throughout his work, making "Vathek" not only a tale of abandon but also a reflection of the authors multifaceted identity. "Vathek; An Arabian Tale" is a must-read for enthusiasts of gothic literature and those intrigued by the interplay of cultural narratives. Its complex characters and vivid settings invite readers to reflect on their own desires and moral boundaries. A synthesis of historical intrigue and psychological depth, this book remains a timeless exploration of ambition and its dire consequences, captivating scholars and casual readers alike.

William Beckfords "The History of Caliph Vathek" is a rich tapestry of gothic horror interwoven with elements of fantasy and orientalism, published in 1786. The narrative follows the ambitious yet tragic figure of Vathek, a caliph whose insatiable thirst for knowledge and power leads him to sacrifice everything, culminating in a poignant exploration of moral decay within a phantasmagorical landscape. Beckford employs a lush, descriptive prose style that evokes a sense of the otherworldly, skillfully balancing intricate plot development with philosophical musings on the nature of desire and the consequences of unfettered ambition. Set against a backdrop that reflects both the politics of the 18th-century European imagination and the exoticism of the East, this work stands as a significant contribution to the genre of Gothic literature, influencing later writers such as Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft. Beckford, a wealthy Englishman and noted eccentric, was deeply influenced by his travels and exposures to different cultures, which ignited his fascination with the orient. His unique upbringingbeing raised in a wealthy family but often troubled by societal conventionssparked his literary pursuits as a means of grappling with his identity and his insatiable fascination with the forbidden. This background shares thematic resonance with Vatheks quest for enlightenment and transcendence, reflecting the authors critique of Enlightenment ideals. "The History of Caliph Vathek" is an essential read for anyone interested in Gothic literature, the complexities of desire, and the cultural dialogues of the 18th century. Beckfords imaginative narrative serves not only as a gripping tale but also as a deep philosophical inquiry into the darker facets of human ambition. Readers will find themselves entranced by Beckfords vivid storytelling and the haunting journey of Caliph Vathek, making this classic a compelling addition to any literary collection.

This volume, with its erudite introduction by Mario Praz, presents three of the most celebrated Gothic novels: The Castle of Otranto, published pseudonymously in 1765, is one of the first of the genre and the most truly Gothic of the three. Vathek (1786), an oriental tale by an eccentric millionaire, exotically combines Gothic romanticism with the vivacity of The Arabian Nights and is a narrative tour de force. The story of Frankenstein (1818) and the monster he created is as spine-chilling today as it ever was; as in all Gothic novels, horror is the keynote.

Macabre and melodramatic, set in haunted castles or fantastic landscapes, Gothic tales became fashionable in the late eighteenth century with the publication of Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto (1764). Crammed with catastrophe, terror, and ghostly interventions, the novel was an immediate success, and influenced numerous followers. These include William Beckford's Vathek (1786), which alternates grotesque comedy with scenes of exotic magnificence in the story of the ruthless Caliph Vathek's journey to damnation. The Monk (1796), by Matthew Lewis, is a violent tale of ambition, murder, and incest, set in the sinister monastery of the Capuchins in Madrid. Frankenstein (1818, 1831) is Mary Shelley's disturbing and perennially popular tale of young student who learns the secret of giving life to a creature made from human relics, with horrific consequences. This collection illustrates the range and the attraction of the Gothic novel. Extreme and sensational, each of the four printed here is also a powerful psychological story of isolation and monomania.

Poseedor de una inmensa hacienda que había dilapidado a la hora de su muerte, conocido de Mozart y Voltaire, viajero, orientalista, bibliómano y coleccionista de arte, William Beckford (1760-1848) fue un aristocrata romantico ingles cuya vida excentrica acabo llevandole a la ruina y hundiendo su carrera politica. Autor de dos interesantes libros de viajes, debe su fama, sin embargo, a sus relatos fantasticos de corte oriental, entre los que sobresale su obra maestra, Vathek. Escrita originalmente en frances y fruto de una tumultuosa velada acaecida a finales de 1781 en Fonthill, que prefigura la de Villa Deodati en 1816 donde habrian de reunirse las cumbres del romanticismo fantastico ingles -Shelley, Byron, el doctor Polidori-, la obra narra la historia del califa homonimo, personaje desmesurado a quien su sed de conocimiento acaba precipitando en el Palacio del Fuego Subterraneo, la morada de Iblis, el Infierno, donde encuentra a otros principes condenados que le relatan, a su vez, sus desventuras, dando lugar a los llamados tres Episodios, narraciones practicamente autonomas que, a causa de diversas y desafortunadas circunstancias, han venido publicandose hasta hoy separadas del texto original que los motivo. La presente edicion, preparada, anotada y prologada por Javier Martin Lalanda, corrige esta omision historica y reune por primera vez en castellano el texto integro de un relato que une al exotismo de lo maravilloso y del cuento oriental la truculencia de la narracion gotica y un peculiar e irreverente sentido del humor, elementos que hacen deel uno de los hitos de la literatura fantastica anterior al siglo XX.

l romanzo orientaleggiante Vathek (titolo originale Vathek, o in alcuni testi Vathek, an arabian tale) rese il suo autore, il viaggiatore e scrittore inglese William Beckford, molto piu famoso dei suoi libri di viaggio. Beckford compose Vathek in francese nel 1785, di getto, in tre soli giorni e due notti e lo pubblico in inglese a Losanna nel 1787.[1]. Il romanzo ha oltre 160 note dellautore (e del primo traduttore dal francese allinglese), moltissime delle quali sono corpose e dotte.Nota: gli e-book editi da E-text in collaborazione con Liber Liber sono tutti privi di DRM; si possono quindi leggere su qualsiasi lettore di e-book, si possono copiare su piu dispositivi e, volendo, si possono anche modificare.Questo e-book aiuta il sito di Liber Liber, una mediateca che rende disponibili gratuitamente migliaia di capolavori della letteratura e della musica.

Precursor de Poe, Baudelaire, de Quincey y Huysmans, Beckford, prototipo del aristócrata británico extravagante y culto, rebelde y marginal, publicó en 1787 una novela, Vathek (Cuento árabe), sobre un califa que se entrega al servicio del diablo.

La nimfa de la Font, de William Thomas Beckford, publicada l’any 1791, és una narració que combina en poques pàgines la historia oriental i la historia gòtica. Malgrat l’equilibri del seu destí que e