Thomas De Quincey
Biography
Thomas De Quincey (1785–1859) was an English essayist and literary critic best known for Confessions of an English Opium-Eater (1821), one of the first and most influential works of addiction literature. Born in Manchester, he was a brilliant student who ran away to live as a vagrant in London before attending Oxford. His opium addiction, begun as self-medication, became the subject of his most famous work. De Quincey’s ornate, musical prose style and his exploration of dreams, memory, and altered consciousness influenced Poe, Baudelaire, Borges, and the Surrealists.
Common themes in Thomas De Quincey's work
Addiction literature
A recurring theme throughout Thomas De Quincey's writing.
Opium
A recurring theme throughout Thomas De Quincey's writing.
Altered consciousness
A recurring theme throughout Thomas De Quincey's writing.
English prose style
A recurring theme throughout Thomas De Quincey's writing.
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Why Thomas De Quincey is still read today
De Quincey pioneered addiction literature and the literary exploration of altered consciousness. His influence on Poe, Baudelaire, and the Surrealists was profound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Thomas De Quincey?
Thomas De Quincey (1785–1859) was an English essayist famous for Confessions of an English Opium-Eater, a pioneering work of addiction literature.
What are his major works?
Confessions of an English Opium-Eater and Suspiria de Profundis. Both are available free on TextStack.
Who did he influence?
Poe, Baudelaire, Borges, the Surrealists, and anyone who writes about dreams, addiction, or altered states of consciousness.
Where can I read De Quincey free?
TextStack offers De Quincey’s works to read free online.
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