Vathek: An Arabian Tale

William Thomas Beckford (29 September 1760 - 2 May 1844) was an English novelist, art collector, patron of decorative art, critic, travel writer, plantation owner and for some time politician. He was reputed at one stage to be England's richest commoner. The son of William Beckford and Maria Hamilton, daughter of the Hon. George Hamilton, he served as a Member of Parliament for Wells in 1784-1790 and Hindon in 1790-1795 and 1806-1820. Beckford is remembered for a Gothic novel, Vathek (1786); for building the lost Fonthill Abbey in Wiltshire and Lansdown Tower ("Beckford's Tower") in Bath; and for his art collection.