This paper aims to examine William Beckford's Vathek (1786) in
terms of the major impacts that have helped him to compose such a
novel. The three main factors that influenced Beckford are: his
experience during his residence at Fonthill Abbey; his
interest and
readings in translations of the Arabian tales, The Arabian Nights; and his
combination of fantasy with the soberly sensual grace of Eastern imagery.
Despite the fact that Vathek is an eccentric short novel, it is based on a
realistic protagonist, Al-Wathek (A.D.815-846), the 9th Caliph of Abassid
dynasty, known for his love of food, and his knowledge in music, poetry,
astronomy and logic.
