Vathek, an Arabian Tale

London: George Routledge & Sons, Limited, 1912 . Hardback. Good. 5.5" by 4". W. B. Handforth. A pocket-sized new edition of William Beckford gothic novel 'Vathek', illustrated with colour plates. This is a gothic novel, written by Beckford in 1782 in French and later translated by Samuel Henley. It is located in an oriental setting, blending a depiction of oriental culture with supernatural and Gothic aspect.William Beckford (1760-1844) was an English novelist, collector, plantation owner and politician. He built Fonthill Abbey in Wiltshire, as well as Lansdown Tower in Bath, his resting place.Undated; dated from copies on Jisc.A new edition, complete with notes.Illustrated with four coloured plates and a coloured title page by W. B. Handforth. Lacking one plate.A wonderfully colourful edition of an early piece of Gothic fiction. In the publisher's original paper-covered boards. Externally a trifle rubbed, with cracking to the front joint at the head and tail of the spine resulting in slight loss to the paper, however, the decorative cover is well preserved. Ownership bookplate to the front pastedown. Internally, generally firmly bound; front hinge is exposed but remaining firm. Pages are bright and clean, bar the odd spot. Good