De Quincey, Thomas, 1785-1859.

Confessions of an English opium-eater / Thomas de Quincey. - 125 pages ; 20 cm.

Includes bibliographical references.

Published anonymously in The London Magazine, the Confessions were an immediate success, and soon speculation was rife as to the identity of the mysterious Opium-Eater. The work, which introduced the literary world to De Quincey's unique "impassioned prose", is now widely deemed to be De Quincey's masterpiece. "Explosive and unforgiving, Confessions of an English Opium-Eater describes in searing detail the pleasure, pain and mind-expanding powers of opium ... This edition is introduced by biographer, critic and academic Dr. Frances Wilson. Thomas De Quincey takes us on a journey from his grammar school childhood to his homeless adolescence in Wales, from befriending prostitutes during his nocturnal wanderings in London to enrolling at Oxford University only to drop out when his drug use overcomes him. Thrust into a disorientating world of extreme euphoria and vivid nightmares, De Quincey's life story is both unpredictable and deeply personal. Confessions of an English Opium-Eater is considered to be the first published autobiography to explore the lure and effects of addiction."--Publisher's website. Confessions of an English Opium-Eater is a powerful nineteenth-century autobiography tracing Thomas De Quincey's journey of addiction, introduced by biographer, critic and academic Dr Frances Wilson.

College of Education Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English


Text in English

9781788884327 (pbk.)


De Quincey, Thomas, 1785-1859.


Drug addicts--Great Britain--Biography.
Authors, English--19th century--Biography.
Opium abuse--History--England.--19th century.

PR4532 / .L5 2008

828.809 D44 2019