Confessions of an English Opium-Eater

The autobiography offers a candid exploration of Thomas de Quincey's life, detailing his descent into opium addiction. He reflects on his early struggles, including poverty and psychological turmoil, which led him to laudanum in 1804. Initially reveling in its effects, De Quincey later confronts the harrowing consequences of his addiction, including nightmares and physical decline. His gripping narrative serves as both a personal confession and a cautionary tale about the perils of substance abuse, making it a compelling read for those interested in the complexities of addiction.