[Vathek.] An Arabian Tale, from an Unpublished Manuscript: with Notes Critical and Explanatory.

BECKFORD, William.

Published by London: for J. Johnson, 1786

About this Item

First edition in any language of this classic work of British Gothic fiction, hugely influential and much imitated among the Romantic poets. Byron described himself as its "strenuous and public admirer" and reveals this influence in his own "Turkish Tales". "European literature has no Oriental fiction which impresses the imagination so powerfully and permanently as 'Vathek'" (DNB). Beckford originally composed his manuscript in French in 1782. This English translation, executed by Samuel Henley, was published in June 1786 before the release of the French text, despite the author's instructions that "I would not on any account have him precede the French edition" (Chapman & Hodkgin, p. 20). Though angered by Henley's move, Beckford still appreciated his expertise as an orientalist and retained his extensive notes in later editions. The first French edition was published in Lausanne the following December (but post-dated 1787). As the original manuscript was by that time lost, the Lausanne edition was in fact a hurried translation of the English. Beckford then corrected the Lausanne text, smoothing over Henley's lingering anglicisms, for the Paris edition of December 1787. Bleiler, Supernatural Fiction 119; Chapman and Hodkgin 3Ai; ESTC T62055; Rothschild 354; Summers, Gothic Bibliography, p. 543. Octavo (190 x 112 mm). Engraved illustrations of fans on p. 316. Bound without original rear blank. Contemporary calf, spine lettered in gilt, compartments and covers with gilt rule and blind roll, single gilt fillet on board edges and turn-ins, edges speckled brown, yellow silk bookmarker. Armorial bookplate of William Dickinson I (1745-1806) or his son (1771-1837), both MPs. Binding rubbed, front joint repaired, head of rear joint just starting, corners worn, front pastedown with red label remnant, rear pastedown with "K" inkstamp, mended closed tear to p. v, text unaffected. A very good copy.

Seller Inventory # 164749

Bibliographic Details

• Title: [Vathek.] An Arabian Tale, from an Unpublished Manuscript: with Notes Critical and Explanatory.
• Publisher: London: for J. Johnson, 1786
• Edition: 1st Edition