Autobiographical Sketches   By: Thomas De Quincey (1785-1859)

Autobiographical Sketches by Thomas De Quincey is a masterpiece that takes readers on an intimate journey through the life and mind of one of the greatest English prose writers. With unparalleled eloquence and depth, De Quincey delves into the various phases of his life, presenting unique perspectives on important events and experiences.

The book is divided into several sections, each offering a different aspect of De Quincey's life. From his childhood years and troubled adolescence to his struggles with addiction and his eventual redemption, readers gain an authentic insight into the author's innermost thoughts and emotions. De Quincey's writing style is graceful and engaging, captivating readers with his vivid descriptions and poignant reflections.

One of the highlights of Autobiographical Sketches is De Quincey's ability to transport readers back in time and space. Whether he is describing the idyllic landscapes of his childhood or recounting his encounters with key literary figures of the time, such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth, De Quincey's prose brings everything to life with remarkable vivacity.

Moreover, De Quincey's writing is not limited to personal experiences; he also examines broader social and philosophical issues. Throughout the book, he provides insightful social commentaries on topics such as poverty, education, and the position of women in society. These reflections serve as a testament to De Quincey's intellectual depth and his relentless pursuit of understanding the world around him.

Autobiographical Sketches is a testament to the power of introspection and self-reflection. De Quincey's willingness to honestly examine himself, acknowledging both his triumphs and his failures, creates a captivating narrative that resonates with readers. It serves as a reminder that, despite our differences, our shared struggles and desires make us fundamentally human.

Despite the book's age, De Quincey's prose remains refreshingly modern and accessible. His writing transcends time, making Autobiographical Sketches a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. The book's relatability and raw vulnerability make it a compelling read, allowing readers to better understand not only De Quincey himself, but also the complexities of the human condition.

In conclusion, Autobiographical Sketches by Thomas De Quincey stands as a profound and insightful exploration of one man's life, thoughts, and experiences. With its captivating prose, engaging storytelling, and thought-provoking reflections, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in profound introspection and the power of the written word.

First Page:

I am on the point of revising and considerably altering, for republication in England, an edition of such amongst my writings as it may seem proper deliberately to avow. Not that I have any intention, or consciously any reason, expressly to disown any one thing that I have ever published; but some things have sufficiently accomplished their purpose when they have met the call of that particular transient occasion in which they arose; and others, it may be thought on review, might as well have been suppressed from the very first. Things immoral would of course fall within that category; of these, however, I cannot reproach myself with ever having published so much as one. But even pure levities, simply as such, and without liability to any worse objection, may happen to have no justifying principle of life within them; and if, any where, I find such a reproach to lie against a paper of mine, that paper I should wish to cancel. So that, upon the whole, my new and revised edition is likely to differ by very considerable changes from the original papers; and, consequently, to that extent is likely to differ from your existing Boston reprint... Continue reading book >>