[VATHEK] AN ARABIAN TALE, From an Unpublished Manuscript: with Notes Critical and Explanatory

London: J. Johnson, 1786. First Edition. Hardcover. Fine. Recent full period calf (5" x 8") with marbled endpapers and likely original gilt-lettered burgundy morocco spine label; vii, [i], 334 pages with page 48 misnumbered "84" and with errata leaf and final blank (often missing). Contrary to Beckford's wishes this edition of his influential Gothic novel, originally written in French and translated and edited by his friend Rev. Samuel Henley, preceded the first French edition which was published in December 1786. The title character is a power-hungry Caliph who conspires with his occult-leaning mother to master the evil forces of hell. The book influenced many writers including Byron, Poe, Lovecraft, and H. G. Wells. Armorial bookplate of British botanist R. C. A. Prior on front pastedown and poet Witter Bynner on front endpaper.