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.
