Note Book of an English Opium-Eater
"The Note Book of an English Opium-Eater" by Thomas De Quincey is a collection of essays and reflections written in the early 19th century. The work grapples with deep and often unsettling themes, including the aesthetics of murder and the complex interplay of horror and beauty, as evidenced by De Quincey’s exploration of notorious historical events, notably the infamous Ratcliffe Highway murders. The opening of the book introduces the chilling subject of three notable murders, with a particular focus on the events surrounding John Williams, whose calculated acts of violence gripped the public in fear and fascination. De Quincey sets a dark tone as he describes the societal reaction to these crimes, the psychological makeup of the murderer, and the inherent morbid curiosity surrounding such atrocities. The narrative intertwines personal anecdotes and literary musings, hinting at a profound philosophical inquiry into the nature of evil and the human condition, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of these themes throughout the text.
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- Language
- English
- On Project Gutenberg since
- 1 November 2004
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More by Thomas De Quincey
See all: More by Thomas De Quincey
The Collected Writing of Thomas De Quincey, Vol. II
The Posthumous Works of Thomas De Quincey, Vol. 1
The Uncollected Writings of Thomas de Quincey—Vol. 1
The Uncollected Writings of Thomas de Quincey, Vol. 2
The Posthumous Works of Thomas De Quincey, Vol. 2
De Quincey's Revolt of the Tartars
L'Anglais mangeur d'opium
De l'assassinat considéré comme un des Beaux-Arts
Confessions of an English Opium-Eater
Miscellaneous Essays
Narrative and Miscellaneous Papers
The English Mail-Coach and Joan of Arc
Autobiographic Sketches
Stories of Intellect
Narrative and Miscellaneous Papers — Volume 2
Memorials and Other Papers — Volume 1
Biographical Essays
Memorials and Other Papers — Complete
Theological Essays and Other Papers — Volume 1
