L'Anglais mangeur d'opium / Traduit de l'Anglais et augmenté par Alfred de Musset, avec une notice par M. Arthur Heulhard

Name: L'Anglais mangeur d'opium / Traduit de l'Anglais et augmenté par Alfred de Musset, avec une notice par M. Arthur Heulhard
Author: Thomas De Quincey

By Thomas De Quincey

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About This Book

An intensely personal memoir recounts the author's initiation into opium use, the progression from occasional relief to dependence, and the physiological and psychological effects experienced. Vivid, erudite descriptions of drug-induced reveries interweave classical and exotic imagery as memory and imagination expand and distort perception. The narrative alternates between clinical observation of symptoms, reflective commentary on addiction and will, and extended visionary episodes that blend scholarship with surreal panoramas. Throughout, the account probes the interplay of pleasure and suffering, the desire for escape, and the costs to health, cognition, and social life.

About the Author

Thomas De Quincey

Thomas De Quincey was an English essayist and critic, best known for his work "Confessions of an English Opium-Eater," which explores his experiences with opium addiction and its effects on his life and creativity. Born in 1785, De Quincey became a prominent figure in the Romantic literary movement, contributing to the genre of autobiographical writing. His essays often blend personal narrative with philosophical reflections, showcasing his unique style and deep intellectual engagement. In addition to his confessions, he wrote extensively on various subjects, including literature, history, and culture, as seen in his collections like "Biographical Essays" and "Memorials and Other Papers." De Quincey's work remains influential in discussions of addiction, creativity, and the complexities of the human experience.