William Beckford Bücher

Diese Ausgabe von "Vathek: Die Geschichte des Kalifen Vathek" wurde mit einem funktionalen Layout erstellt und sorgfältig formatiert. William Thomas Beckford (1760-1844) war ein englischer Exzentriker, hauptsächlich bekannt als Schriftsteller und Baumeister. Darüber hinaus war er auch Kritiker, Sammler und Politiker. Sein Roman Vathek beeinflusste Byron, Poe, Carl Einstein, Gottfried Benn und H. P. Lovecraft. 1783 schrieb er auf Französisch in einer einzigen, drei Tage und zwei Nächte dauernden Anstrengung das Buch, auf welchem sein literarischer Ruhm ausschließlich beruht: Vathek, die Geschichte des Kalifen Vathek, der einen so hohen Turm baut, dass er von ihm aus alle Königreiche der Welt überwachen kann. Als er einen Abgesandten des Bösen trifft und dessen Verlockungen erliegt, ergreift das Böse am Ende von ihm Besitz und setzt sein Herz auf ewig in Flammen.

Vathek, ninth Caliph of the race of the Abassides, was the son of Motassem, and the grandson of Haroun Al Raschid. From an early accession to the throne, and the talents he possessed to adorn it, his subjects were induced to expect that his reign would be long and happy. His figure was pleasing and majestic; but when he was angry one of his eyes became so terrible that no person could bear to behold it, and the wretch upon whom it was fixed instantly fell backward, and sometimes expired. For fear, however, of depopulating his dominions and making his palace desolate he but rarely gave way to his anger. Being much addicted to women and the pleasures of the table, he sought by his affability to procure agreeable companions; and he succeeded the better as his generosity was unbounded, and his indulgences unrestrained, for he was by no means scrupulous, nor did he think with the Caliph Omar Ben Abdalaziz that it was necessary to make a hell of this world to enjoy Paradise in the next. He surpassed in magnificence all his predecessors. The palace of Alkoremmi, which his father Motassem had erected on the hill of Pied Horses, and which commanded the whole city of Samarah, was in his idea far too scanty; he added therefore five wings, or rather other palaces, which he destined for the particular gratification of each of his senses. In the first of these were tables continually covered with the most exquisite dainties, which were supplied both by night and by day, according to their constant consumption, whilst the most delicious wines and the choicest cordials flowed forth from a hundred fountains that were never exhausted. This palace was called “The Eternal or Unsatiating Banquet”.

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William Thomas Beckford was a multifaceted figure known for his contributions to literature, art, and politics in 18th and 19th century England. He gained fame as the author of the Gothic novel Vathek and was recognized as one of England's wealthiest commoners. His achievements extend to notable architectural projects like Fonthill Abbey and Lansdown Tower. Additionally, he served multiple terms as a Member of Parliament, while also being an influential art collector and patron of decorative arts, reflecting his diverse interests and impact on British culture.