William Thomas Beckford (1 Oct 1760 – 2 May 1844), was an English writer, politician and art collector and of decorative art. He was Member of Well’s Parliament for Wells in 1784-1790, Hindon’s in 1790-1795 and 1806-1820. He is mostly known for his gothic novels, such as Vathek, building of the Fonthill Abbey and Lansdown Tower, and his vast art collection. Beckford also wrote a considerable amount of music, much of it was with the assistance of his amanuensis, John Burton.

"Italy; with sketches of Spain and Portugal" is a collection of letters written by William Beckford. Beckford has done a lot of travelling across Europe, and seen his fair share of strangeness. And of all of it has reflected in his writers mind, left marks on his personality and was transformed into some readable trains of thought. This gathering of his pieces of mind is a perfect insight in a remarkable author of Gothic literature and simply a person of interest.