Vathek (1786) – William Beckford Free Audiobook

Written by William Beckford
Read by Jonathan Keeble
Format: MP3
Bitrate: 64 Kbps
Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 58 mins
Release date: 07-01-24
Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks UK Ltd.

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.

William Beckford (1760-1844).
Vathek is one of the earliest and most influential Gothic novels.. Beckford’s genius was in marrying Orientalism with the Gothic, both sources of fascination and delight to reading audiences of the time.

The novel influenced several later writers, including Poe and Lovecraft, and is given an exhilarating reading here by Jonathan Keeble.