The Gothic book "The History of Caliph Vathek" was written by William Beckford. The narrative follows the adventures of Caliph Vathek, the ninth caliph of the Abassides, as he succumbs to his unquenchable need for knowledge and power. Caliph Vathek enters a realm of darkness and evil after striking a deal with the devil because of his desire. Vathek sets out on a quest for forbidden knowledge and engages in illicit pleasures under the direction of...