Book · 1823 · Opium abuse
Confessions of an English opium-eater
Why people recommend it
Confessions of an English Opium-Eater by Thomas De Quincey is a famous autobiographical work detailing the author's struggles with laudanum addiction and its profound psychological effects. During an appearance on The Ezra Klein Show in the episode titled This Is a Very Weird Moment in the History of Drug Laws, broadcast on May 10, 2024, Keith Humphreys discussed various dimensions of drug policy and history with host Ezra Klein. Toward the end of the conversation, when asked for book recommendations, Humphreys offered Thomas De Quincey's classic text. He acknowledged that it might be perceived as a somewhat eccentric choice compared to more contemporary policy literature, yet he emphasized that it remains an exceptionally good book. Humphreys highlighted the text because it offers valuable historical context on human relationships with mind-altering substances, illustrating that society's complex engagement with drugs is far from a modern phenomenon. Through this recommendation, listeners were directed toward a literary exploration of addiction, memory, and nineteenth-century substance use, bridging historical narrative with ongoing contemporary debates about drug regulation and human behavior.
Who recommended it
- Keith Humphreys Recommended
Keith Humphreys — 1 mention
“and then the last one maybe a more Ecentric choice but it's such a good book is by Thomas D Quincy and it's called confessions of an English opium eater”