Thomas De Quincey: The Opium-Eater’s Confessions 200 Years On

2021 marked the 200th anniversary of the publication of Thomas De Quincey’s Confessions of an English Opium-Eater, an autobiographical account detailing the author’s laudanum addiction and its effects on his physical and mental states. On 30 September 2021 we invited Professors Grevel Lindop and D. B. Ruderman to discuss the creation, impact and relevance of De Quincey’s seminal work. Professor Grevel Lindop explored the history of the work with manuscripts and first editions to hand. Professor D. B. Ruderman discussed his own current work relating to Confessions, in particular his poetry workshops with recovering addicts. Watch the video poem that David mentions here: If you enjoyed this video, please consider making a donation to the Wordsworth Trust: About the speakers Grevel Lindop is the author of The Opium-Eater: A Life of Thomas De Quincey. He was also General Editor of the complete edition, The W