"Vathek" is a Gothic novel written by William Beckford. "Vathek" capitalized on the eighteenth century obsession with all things Oriental. William Beckford was also influenced by similar works from the French writer Voltaire. His originality lay in combining the popular Oriental elements with the Gothic stylings. Long out of print in this edition, the classic "Vathek" is here reprinted with the magnificent Mahlon Blaine illustrations.