An Arabian tale, from unpublished manuscript: with notes critical and explanatory. This item is unavailable.An Arabian tale, from unpublished manuscript: with notes critical and explanatory

First edition, 8vo, pp. vii, [1], 334; woodcut illustrations on p. 316 (X6v), showing ostrich and peacock-feather fans; original blue paper-covered boards, brown paper shelfback; spine mostly perished, exposing cords, joints cracked, cords holding, but barely; a good copy in a quarter green crushed levant folding box. Beckford's influential gothic tale. "Vathek was translated from Beckford's French original by a friend, the Rev. Samuel Henley, who also contributed the 'Notes'. Its publication in English before the appearance of a French edition was contrary to Beckford's instruction in a letter to Henley dated 9 February 1786" (Rothschild). Rare in boards. Notes the previous owner: "A fragile, wounded, and rare survivor." Rothschild 354.