This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2023
DE QUINCEY, Thomas (1785-1859). Confessions of an English Opium-Eater. London: J. Moyes for Taylor and Hessey, 1822.
8vo. Half-title, 2pp. publisher’s ads at end. ORIGINAL PUBLISHER’S DRAB BOARDS, UNCUT (neatly rebacked, some soiling or stains to covers, corners rubbed). Provenance: purchased from William Dailey, 1 April 1980, Catalogue Thirteen (“Phantastica”), Item 57.
FIRST EDITION in book form of “the most famous account of drug addiction in English literature” (Norman) and the earliest example of “addiction literature” in the English language. Confessions was first published in the London magazine in October and November 1821; an appendix, added to the editions in book form, included, a tabulated statement of De Quincey’s opium consumption during a time when he was attempting to reduce his dependency. Ashley II, p. 37; Norman 619; Phantastica 57 (this copy); Sterling 229; Tinker 817. A Horowitz high spot.