de Quincey, Thomas: - Thomas De Quincey (1785-1859) was an English essayist, literary critic, and memoirist, best known for his work "Confessions of an English Opium-Eater." Born in Manchester, England, De Quincey was educated at Oxford University, but he left without earning a degree. In 1821, De Quincey published his most famous work, "Confessions of an English Opium-Eater," a memoir that described his experiences with opium addiction. The book was well-received and helped to establish De Quincey as a leading literary figure. De Quincey continued to write prolifically throughout his life, producing numerous essays and articles on a wide range of topics, including literature, philosophy, and politics. Despite his literary success, De Quincey struggled with financial problems throughout his life. He was often in debt and frequently moved from place to place, including spending several years living in Edinburgh. De Quincey died in 1859, at the age of 74. His work has had a lasting influence on English literature and has been praised for its imaginative power, its wit and intelligence, and its deep understanding of human psychology.