Dreams, Waking Thoughts, and Incidents

"Dreams, Waking Thoughts, and Incidents" by William Beckford is a compilation of letters and insights from the late 1700s, where the author chronicles his European explorations, sharing imaginative thoughts, vibrant dreams, and observations of different settings and cultures. The introspective style shows Beckford's deep imagination and memory, alongside his challenge with the contrast between reality and his idealistic visions. He starts his journey in 1780, recalling nostalgic memories and experiencing the landscapes of Kent, communicating sadness when moving from England's beauty to unfamiliar places, and thinking about peaceful moments in locations such as Antwerp. Moving through lively towns and important landmarks, his reflections reveal his observations mixed with inner thoughts divided between reality and fiction, mixing dream descriptions with his travel experiences.