William Beckford

William Beckford (1760-1844), the son of one of London's richest ever Lord Mayors, squandered his great wealth in the creation and decoration of the Gothic extravaganza of Fonthill Abbey. His main works were written in French, and show a descriptive and ironic genius. Malcolm Jack, the editor of The Episodes of Vathek, is a leading authority on the work of William Beckford. His other publications include a Beckford Reader and a new edition of Vathek.

Back to listing