Thomas De Quincey, born in Manchester in 1785, was an English essayist and literary critic renowned for his evocative prose. After attending prestigious schools, he enrolled at Oxford's Worcester College in 1803 but left without earning a degree. During his time at Oxford, De Quincey developed a profound admiration for the Romantic poets, particularly William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.¿In 1809, De Quincey moved to Grasmere in the Lake District, immersing himself in the literary circle of the Lake Poets. His personal struggles with opium addiction culminated in the publication of Confessions of an English Opium-Eater in 1821, a work that brought him immediate fame. Beyond his confessions, De Quincey contributed essays and articles to various periodicals, showcasing his versatility as a writer.¿Despite his literary achievements, De Quincey faced financial difficulties throughout his life, often exacerbated by his opium dependency. He spent his later years in Edinburgh, where he continued to write prolifically until his death in 1859. De Quincey's works have left an indelible mark on English literature, influencing subsequent generations of writers.