Confessions of an English Opium-Eater (Royal Collector's Edition) (Case Laminate Hardcover with Jacket)

Confessions of an English Opium-Eater (Royal Collector's Edition) (Case Laminate Hardcover with Jacket)

by Thomas De Quincey
Confessions of an English Opium-Eater (Royal Collector's Edition) (Case Laminate Hardcover with Jacket)

Confessions of an English Opium-Eater (Royal Collector's Edition) (Case Laminate Hardcover with Jacket)

by Thomas De Quincey

Hardcover

$34.95 
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Overview

Confessions of an English Opium-Eater is an autobiographical account written by Thomas De Quincey, about his laudanum addiction and its effect on his life. The first half of the book is devoted to De Quincey's childhood and youth. It concentrates on the emotional and psychological factors that underlie his future opium addiction - especially the period in his late teens that De Quincey spent as a homeless runaway. The second half recounts the intensity of De Quincey's addiction, detailing his struggles with insomnia, nightmares, frightening visions, and physical symptoms.

Confessions of an English Opium-Eater was first published anonymously in the London Magazine in 1821, and later released in book form in 1822. De Quincey was criticized for giving too much attention to the pleasure of opium and not enough to the harsh negatives of addiction. Critics have noted that even when trying to convey darker truths, De Quincey's language can seem seduced by the compelling nature of the opium. Despite these critiques, Confessions made De Quincey a household name overnight.

This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian-inspired dust jacket.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781774765227
Publisher: Royal Classics
Publication date: 12/06/2022
Pages: 92
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.38(d)

About the Author

Thomas De Quincey (15 August 1785 - 8 December 1859) was an English essayist, best known for his autobiography Confessions of an English Opium-Eater (1821). Many scholars suggest that in publishing this work De Quincey inaugurated the tradition of addiction literature in the West. Along with his opium addiction, debt was one of the primary constraints of De Quincey's adult life. He pursued journalism as a way to pay his bills and eventually became editor of The Westmorland Gazette in 1818. Unfortunately, De Quincey was unreliable at meeting deadlines and had to resign the following year. De Quincey was then persuaded to write and publish an account of his opium experiences for the London Magazine. This launched his career and led to him contributing to various magazines.
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