The Posthumous Works of Thomas De Quincey, Vol. 2

"The Posthumous Works of Thomas De Quincey, Vol. 2" by Thomas De Quincey is a collection of essays that was published in the late 19th century. This volume offers critical, historical, biographical, philosophical, imaginative, and humorous insights, particularly focusing on conversations with notable figures like Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The essays reflect De Quincey's deep engagement with philosophical ideas and literary criticism, making it a valuable read for those interested in 19th-century thought and its leading intellectuals. The beginning of this work introduces the thematic foundations through a preface and detailed introductions to each essay, guiding readers into De Quincey's contemplative style. He explores the nature of conversation, particularly critiquing the conversational style of Coleridge, emphasizing the traits of disputation and interruption that often mar discussions. De Quincey's analysis is not only a reflection on Coleridge's dialogue but also serves as a broader commentary on social discourse, setting the stage for deeper explorations of individual essays that follow, each addressing various historical and literary topics. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Thomas Penson De Quincey was an English writer, essayist, and literary critic, best known for his Confessions of an English Opium-Eater (1821). Many scholars suggest that in publishing this work De Quincey inaugurated the tradition of addiction literature in the West.