William Beckford (Beckford William)

(1760-1844)
Born September 29, 1760 in Fonthille (Wiltshire). Not knowing the original account money, Beckford erected there quaint Gothic 'palace' on the project Dzh.Uayeta. In 1806-1822 was elected to parliament. In 1822 financial difficulties forced him to sell Fonthill, but soon he built himself a large house near Bath, where he lived a recluse until his death May 2, 1844. His fame Beckford must mainly 'eastern' story Vatek (in French. Language, 1782; English. translation, 1786; rus. translate BA Zaitsev, 1912), written in exotic materials. Monstrous embodiment of evil and tyranny, the Caliph Vatek, maltreating villain-mother, the queen Karatis, subjugated demon Eblisu. At the end marked by extreme cruelty wandering Vatek Eblisa allowed in the cave, where the caliph and his supporters expected a terrible fate.