The History of the Caliph Vathek by William Beckford

THE HISTORY OF CALIPH VATHEK is a fictional Arabian tale based on the the life of the Caliph Al-Wathiq. Vathek, an ambitious ruler, seeks supernatural powers through any means necessary. He renounces Islam and engages in debauchery and other evils with his mother, Carathis, in an attempt to further his power. As punishment for his sins, Vathek is condemned to a hell ruled by the demon Eblis where he endures cruel torments.