Dacre of the South; or, The Olden Time

358 359The following essay was written by Mrs. Gore and published with the play in an attempt to emphasize the historical accuracy of her drama. ¹ The play is dedicated, “as a token of sincere admiration” to “the author of Vathek,” William Beckford (1759–1844), a wealthy writer of Gothic and exotic fiction, whose own life was filled with scandal and eccentricity. ² Whether or not Mrs. Gore sought to draw parallels between the men’s “antisocial” behavior (Beckford’s guilt was never proven, though—as in Dacre’s case—it was clear that his accusers were more interested in his wealth than his morality), both men were shining examples of the Gothic ideal. ³