Vathek Nestor James When the day has ended

When the day has ended and everyone else has fallen asleep

Ilan Stavans - who is at home both in Jewish and Latino cultures - introduces us to engaging writers

The question of the outcome of June Miller's return to Paris dominates her thoughts

If I were told there was time to read only a single book

Vathek Nestor James When the day has endedVathek (1786), originally written in French, remains one of the strangest eighteenth century novels and one of the most difficult to classify. Perverse and grotesque comedy alternates with scenes of 'oriental' magnificence and evocative beauty in the story of the ruthless Caliph Vathek's journey to superb damnation among the subterranean treasures of Eblis. Underlying the elegant prose is a strong element of self indulgent personal fantasy on the part