Vathek

Vathek by William Beckford, Esq.
Published by (London), Philip Allan & Co (no date stated, 1923). A twentieth century illustrated edition of Vathek, reproducing the text of the English-language version of 1786, with about half of the original explanatory notes. The beautiful illustrations are by Violet Dale, a British book illustrator frequently used by the Philip Allan publishing firm, thought she is not named or credited in this edition. There are eight color plates. 4to. xv + (1) + 212pp. Hardcover, blue cloth with design and titles in gilt.
The book is in very good condition, internally clean, with some spotting to the cover cloth on the front and spine.
Vathek (alternatively titled Vathek, an Arabian Tale or The History of the Caliph Vathek) is a Gothic novel written by William Beckford in French. It was first published in English in 1786. The novel chronicles the fall from power of the Caliph Vathek, who renounces Islam and engages with his mother, Carathis, in a series of licentious and deplorable activities designed to gain him supernatural powers.