{"product_id":"life-at-fonthill","title":"Life at Fonthill","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Beckford (1760-1844) was one of the most controversial figures of his time, as well as being reputably the richest man in England.\u003c\/strong\u003e Tales of his excesses - 'new houses, new caprices, new follies, new debts' - have approached legendary status. Embroiled in a sexual scandal which saw him ostracised from English society, he is perhaps best remembered as the author of the Gothic novel \u003cem\u003eVathek\u003c\/em\u003e and as the builder of Fonthill Abbey.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis vast Gothic mansion, with a 280- feet-high tower (which collapsed for the final time in 1825), had thirty-five-feet-high doors which were opened, in a display of Beckford's wicked sense of humour, by a dwarf. Set within his Wiltshire estate, Fonthill was protected by a twelve-feet-high barrier' wall, five miles in length and topped by iron spikes. In the abbey he amassed a treasure trove of rare objects, valuable furniture, gold and silver, books and paintings by both old masters and contemporary artists.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife at Fonthill\u003c\/em\u003e contains extracts from Beckford's correspondence from Fonthill, London and Paris during the years 1807-1822, mostly written to Gregorio Franchi. In them we find all the qualities one would expect from so colourful a character: brilliant descriptions of people, events and scenery, his troublesome relationship with the abbey's architect, James Wyatt, caustic humour and penetrating observations, expressed in his fast-paced style, all of which offer a unique insight into the life of this eccentric and unforgettable character.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nonsuch Publishing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54240187515224,"sku":"9781845880699","price":31.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/1295\/4195\/files\/9781845880699.jpg?v=1777610736","url":"https:\/\/agendabookshop.com\/products\/life-at-fonthill","provider":"Agenda Bookshop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}