Thomas de Quincey

Date of Birth: August 15, 1785

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: December 8, 1859

Biography

Thomas de Quincey was a renowned English essayist and author, best known for his memoir “Confessions of an English Opium-Eater,” published in 1821. Born in Manchester, England, De Quincey was a contemporary of the Romantic poets and was deeply influenced by their literary style and philosophical ideas. His work has been highly regarded for its pioneering explorations of the human psyche and its innovative narrative techniques. De Quincey was educated at several prestigious institutions, including Manchester Grammar School and Worcester College, Oxford. Despite his academic prowess, he did not complete his degree at Oxford, opting instead to embark on a Bohemian lifestyle that included extensive travel and writing. His most famous work, “Confessions of an English Opium-Eater,” was groundbreaking for its candid depiction of the pleasures and pains of opium addiction. The memoir not only brought him fame but also opened up discussions about drug use and addiction in a way that had never been done before. De Quincey continued to write prolifically, contributing essays, articles, and other works to various literary publications.

5 Interesting Facts about Thomas de Quincey

1. Thomas de Quincey was a close friend of notable Romantic poets such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth.

2. His work “Confessions of an English Opium-Eater” was one of the first literary accounts of addiction and had a significant impact on modern psychological literature.

3. De Quincey was known for his exceptional command of language and his ability to craft intricate and evocative prose.

4. He struggled with debt and financial instability throughout much of his life, despite his literary success.

5. De Quincey’s writings have influenced a wide range of authors, including Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Baudelaire, and Jorge Luis Borges.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Thomas de Quincey

1. “The least of things with a meaning is worth more in life than the greatest of things without it.”

2. “A man’s life is of more value than a woman’s. It has larger claims on the world.”

3. “If once a man indulges himself in murder, very soon he comes to think little of robbing; and from robbing he comes next to drinking and Sabbath-breaking, and from that to incivility and procrastination.”

4. “Cows are amongst the gentlest of breathing creatures; none show more passionate tenderness to their young when deprived of them; and, in short, I am not ashamed to profess a deep love for these quiet creatures.”

5. “Even imperfection itself may have its ideal or perfect state.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Thomas de Quincey’s highest net worth is difficult to ascertain due to the lack of comprehensive financial records from that era. However, it is known that he struggled with financial instability throughout his life.

Children

Thomas de Quincey had eight children with his wife, Margaret Simpson. Their names were Margaret, Horace, Florence, Matilda, Emily, Francis, Julius, and Richard.