Théophile Gautier's 'King Candaules' is a captivating tale that delves into themes of power, betrayal, and the consequences of vanity. Set in ancient Lydia, the story follows the ill-fated King Candaules who becomes obsessed with showing off his beautiful wife, leading to tragic consequences. Gautier's writing style is rich in descriptive imagery, drawing readers into a world of opulence and intri...