Madame de Genlis, William Beckford, et Vathek

William Beckford conceived the tale of Vathek at Christmas 1781. The Countess of Genlis had published in 1780, in French, and in 1781, in English, a short play called Vathek. It seems as if Beckford had wanted to transform this edifying oriental play into a sadistic oriental tale. (In French) (JB)