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Rosemary
Nov 01, 2021 rated it liked it
Shelves: 1001-books
Faust meets the Arabian Nights in this Gothic tale set in the Middle East of classical times. Vathek's life as a prince with a huge harem may be luxurious but it offers few challenges, so Vathek (heavily influenced by his mother) makes a deal with a demon for a more rewarding life. Of course it doesn't turn out quite as he expects, but plenty happens along the way, with an endearing mixture of horror and sentimentality. (view spoiler) ...more
Dree
A very Gothic late 18th century book. Caliph Vathek and his mother Catharis rule a middle eastern caliphate (?). They want power and riches, and the Genie Giaour promises it to them. There is clearly something evil going on, as Vathek gives some of the best children of his ruling to the Giaour. He then meets and falls for Nouronihar (and she for him), an emir's daughter, on a trip. He separates her from her dear cousin Gulchenrouz.

Nouronihar follows Vathek. They get what they want, and so does C
...more
Kristel
Feb 16, 2020 rated it liked it
Vathek : An Arabian Tale by William Beckford, written when he was just 21 in 1782. It is a combination of a Gothic novel and Orientalism. The 18/19century was noted for an obsession of all things Oriental. Vathek is the 9th Caliph of Abassides and is addicted to the pursuit of pleasures for all his senses. His major sin is gluttony. Carathis is his evil mother who is knowledgeable in science and occult.

Vathek meets up with a Indian merchant called Giaour who is really a Jinn. From that point Va
...more
Mekki
Mar 23, 2012 marked it as to-read
Amie
Oct 15, 2012 marked it as to-read
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Skye Jones
Oct 12, 2013 marked it as to-read
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Kai Coates
Jan 02, 2015 rated it did not like it
Amanda Dawn
Apr 19, 2015 rated it liked it
Chinook
Jun 07, 2015 marked it as to-read
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Sorobai
Nov 02, 2015 marked it as to-read
Kate
Jan 07, 2016 rated it it was ok  ·  review of another edition
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Karen
Apr 09, 2017 marked it as to-read
Daria Zeoli
Dec 10, 2017 marked it as to-read
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Charisma
Sep 14, 2018 marked it as to-read
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Bill
Jan 09, 2019 marked it as to-read
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Beverly
Feb 20, 2019 marked it as to-read
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Alec
Sep 05, 2021 rated it did not like it  ·  review of another edition
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Tiffany
Apr 27, 2022 rated it it was ok
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Elena
Feb 14, 2023 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
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Kelly_Hunsaker_reads ...
Mar 21, 2023 marked it as to-read
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