Confessions of an English Opium-Eater, by Thomas De Quincey

Confessions of an English Opium-Eater, by Thomas De Quincey. 1950 Heritage Press hardcover with slipcase. 77 pages, nice condition.

Confessions of an English Opium-Eater is an 1821 autobiographical account written by Thomas De Quincey, about his laudanum addiction and its effect on his life. It was first published anonymously in September and October 1821 in The London Magazine, and was "the first major work De Quincey published and the one that won him fame almost overnight." This volume features gorgeous illustrations by Zenhya Gay (1901 – 1978).

From the time of its publication, De Quincey's Confessions was criticized for presenting a picture of the opium experience that was too positive and too enticing to readers. Since there was little systematic study of narcotics until long after his death, De Quincey's account actually assumed an authoritative status and actually dominated the scientific and public views of the effects of opium for several generations. More generally, the book influenced psychology and abnormal psychology, and attitudes towards dreams and imaginative literature. Edgar Allan Poe praised Confessions for its "glorious imagination—deep philosophy—acute speculation."