This biography aims to provide a detailed account of the life of William Beckford and his collections. Perhaps best known for his building of Fonthill Abbey, he was also an aesthete, bibliophile, builder, connoisseur, gardener, musician, patron, traveller, wit and writer. He was a collector of paintings, furniture, books and works of art of every description. Author Lees-Milne aims to give a vivid impression of this 18th-century Englishman and his tastes.