Cover of An Arabian tale
Gothic Fiction

An Arabian tale

from an unpublished manuscript: with notes critical and explanatory.

by , ,

  • 1786 first published
  • 110 pages
  • 333 editions
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Published in 1786, An Arabian tale is a gothic fiction novella by William Beckford, Samuel Henley and Richard Garnett. It takes readers to Arab countries and Venice, Italy in the 18th century. It deals with description and travel, inheritance and succession, Civilization and translations.

37 Open Library readers have it on their want-to-read list. It has been published in 333 editions across 8 languages.

It runs to roughly 110 pages — 2–3 hours of reading at an average pace.

About An Arabian tale

Vathek is one of the earliest and most influential Gothic novels. Its hero is the Caliph Vathek who renounces Islam in a hedonistic quest for supernatural powers, which leads to his downfall. Beckford's genius was in marrying Orientalism with the Gothic, both sources of fascination and delight to reading audiences of the time.
Description from Open Library

Opening line

“VATHEK, ninth Caliph of the race of the Abassides, was the son of Motassem, and the grandson of Haroun al Raschid.”

Themes, setting & tropes

Genres

Setting

Era

Subjects

  • Description and travel
  • Inheritance and succession
  • Classic Literature
  • Thirty years' war, 1618-1648
  • Civilization
  • French literature
  • Translations
  • Gothic
  • Caliphs
  • French fiction
  • Databases

Quick answers

Who wrote An Arabian tale?

An Arabian tale was written by William Beckford, Samuel Henley and Richard Garnett and first published in 1786.

What genre is An Arabian tale?

It is usually shelved as Gothic Fiction.

How long is An Arabian tale?

The median edition has 110 pages, about 2–3 hours of reading at 250 words per minute.

What books are similar to An Arabian tale?

Readers who like it often enjoy This Dark Endeavor, The Demon-lover and Interview With the Vampire.

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