Confessions of an English Opium-Eater

Confessions of an English Opium-Eater is an autobiographical work by Thomas De Quincey published in 1821. The book details De Quinceys addiction to opium which he began taking in 1804 to alleviate pain. The work is divided into two parts. The first part is a memoir of De Quinceys early life including his education and travels. The second part is an account of his addiction to opium describing in vivid detail his experiences while under the influence of the drug. De Quincey also discusses the effects of opium on his physical and mental health as well as the impact it had on his relationships and social life. The book is considered a groundbreaking work in the field of addiction literature and its vivid descriptions of the effects of opium on the human psyche have been praised for their insight and eloquence. De Quinceys writing style is often described as highly imaginative and poetic and he uses a range of literary techniques to convey the intensity of his experiences. Confessions of an English Opium-Eater remains a popular and influential work in the field of literature and addiction studies. Its frank and honest portrayal of addiction has resonated with readers for generations and it continues to be widely read and studied today.