Confessions of an English Opium-Eater

The life of Thomas De Quincey is marked by early rebellion, addiction, and literary success. Born into affluence, he faced hardship after leaving school and struggled with opium use while attending Oxford. His marriage to Margaret Simpson was followed by financial decline, leading him to a prolific career as a journalist. His seminal work, Confessions of an English Opium-Eater, garnered immediate acclaim. Following personal tragedies, including his wife's death, De Quincey's addiction deepened, ultimately leading to his demise in Edinburgh.