Audiobooks by William Beckford

"Written in 1786, this Oriental fantasy tells the story of a dissolute and debauched Caliph, Vathek. Having become obsessed with power and immortality, Vathek embarks on a journey to obtain supernatural powers, in pursuit of which he proves willing to renounce his religion and sacrifice both his children and his soul. We follow Vathek’s remarkable travels to the subterranean palace of Eblis, where his ultimate fate awaits him. Among the themes explored in Vathek are ambition, desire and the consequence of unbridled power. The novel influenced several later writers, including Poe and Lovecraft, and is given an exhilarating reading here by Jonathan Keeble."

William Beckford (Author), Jonathan Keeble (Narrator)

Audiobook

[German] - William Beckford - Venedig: Ein Reisebericht aus dem Jahre 1780

"'Venedig', einer der schönsten Reiseberichte der Weltliteratur, entstammt den Aufzeichnungen des einundzwanzigjährigen William Beckford von seiner 'Grand Tour', die ihn von England über Belgien, Holland, Deutschland und Österreich im Jahre 1780 nach Italien brachte. Während der zehnmonatigen Reise führte Beckford ein Tagebuch, in das er täglich verknappte, skizzenhafte Eintragungen machte; sie bilden das Rohmaterial, das er ein Jahr später einer radikalen Bearbeitung und Formung unterwarf. Erst durch die sich bei der Überarbeitung entfaltende Vorstellungskraft und Darstellungskunst, durch die Stilisierung und Verfeinerung gewinnen Beckfords 'Träume, Wachgedanken und Zwischenfälle' den ihnen eigentümlichen Reiz. Wolfram Benda Hans-Jürgen Schatz studierte nach dem Abitur Germanistik und Theaterwissenschaft. Sein Debüt gab er 1977 an der Akademie der Künste Berlin. 1977/78 spielte er am Hebbel-Theater, 1978/79 am Theater Die Kleine Freiheit in München, 1979 am Berliner Hansa-Theater und an den Berliner Kammerspielen. 1980 und 1981 ging er auf Tournee, 1982/83 war er in Köln am Theater am Dom und 1984 an der Kleinen Komödie in München engagiert. Zu seinen Rollen gehörten Rattengift in einer Musical-Bearbeitung von Scherz, Satire, Ironie und tiefere Bedeutung (Tournee 1980) und Hänschen Rilow in Frühlings Erwachen (Tournee 1981). Zusammen mit Folker Bohnet schrieb er die Theaterstücke Die Hausdame (1979) und Morgenstund hat Gold im Mund (1983). Bundesweite Bekanntheit errang er durch seine Rollen als Wilfried Wiegand in dem Spielfilmmehrteiler Heimat sowie als Max Kühn in der ARD-Vorabendserie Der Fahnder, in welcher er acht Jahre mitspielte. Die Serie wurde 1989 mit dem Adolf-Grimme-Preis ausgezeichnet. Des Weiteren spielte er unter anderem in Salto Postale (1993) und Salto Kommunale (1998) an der Seite von Wolfgang Stumph im ZDF. Ein Serienspecial wurde 2006 unter dem Titel Salto Speziale gesendet. Für seine Interpretation des berühmten amerikanischen Kinderbuchs 'Der Zauberer von Oos' erhielt er den 'Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik', für seine Einspielung der musikalischen Erzählung 'Paddington Bärs erstes Konzert' (mit den Hamburger Symphonikern) den Deutschen Schallplattenpreis 'ECHO Klassik'. Beide Titel wurden bei der Deutschen Grammophon veröffentlicht."

William Beckford (Author), Hans-Jürgen Schatz (Narrator)

Audiobook

The History of the Caliph Vathek

"Vathek, ninth Caliph of the race of the Abassides, was the son of Motassem, and the grandson of Haroun Al Raschid. From an early accession to the throne, and the talents he possessed to adorn it, his subjects were induced to expect that his reign would be long and happy. His figure was pleasing and majestic; but when he was angry one of his eyes became so terrible that no person could bear to behold it, and the wretch upon whom it was fixed instantly fell backward, and sometimes expired. For fear, however, of depopulating his dominions and making his palace desolate he but rarely gave way to his anger. Being much addicted to women and the pleasures of the table, he sought by his affability to procure agreeable companions; and he succeeded the better as his generosity was unbounded, and his indulgences unrestrained, for he was by no means scrupulous, nor did he think with the Caliph Omar Ben Abdalaziz that it was necessary to make a hell of this world to enjoy Paradise in the next. He surpassed in magnificence all his predecessors. The palace of Alkoremmi, which his father Motassem had erected on the hill of Pied Horses, and which commanded the whole city of Samarah, was in his idea far too scanty; he added therefore five wings, or rather other palaces, which he destined for the particular gratification of each of his senses. In the first of these were tables continually covered with the most exquisite dainties, which were supplied both by night and by day, according to their constant consumption, whilst the most delicious wines and the choicest cordials flowed forth from a hundred fountains that were never exhausted. This palace was called “The Eternal or Unsatiating Banquet”."

William Beckford (Author), Tony Parton (Narrator)

Audiobook

The History of the Caliph Vathek

"This is one of the earliest Gothic novels. The Caliph Vathek is one of the wealthiest and most powerful men who ever lived. But this is not enough for him. He seeks also forbidden knowledge, and doesn't care who he has to hurt to get it. Aided by his depraved mother Carathis, Vathek proceeds to damn himself, and those around him. (Introduction by MorganScorpion)"

William Beckford (Author), MorganScorpion (Narrator)

Audiobook