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The paper examines Thomas De Quincey’s experiences with opium and their influence on his writing during his time at Dove Cottage.

March 25, 2026Open Access

On Dove Cottage

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The paper examines Thomas De Quincey’s experiences with opium and their influence on his writing during his time at Dove Cottage.
Analysis of De Quincey’s writings, specifically Confessions of an English Opium Eater
Examination of historical context and literary significance of opium use
Discussion of artifacts such as opium scales and manuscripts
De Quincey’s addiction to opium significantly influenced his literary output
His work became a bestseller, shaping perceptions of opium and addiction
The historical context enhances understanding of his life and writings at Dove Cottage

Abstract

At age fourteen, Thomas De Quincey (1785–1859) read a manuscript of a Wordsworth poem from Lyrical Ballads and his life was transformed. Eight years later he visited Wordsworth’s Grasmere home of Dove Cottage, becoming its tenant two years after that. In the years there which followed, De Quincey developed a strong addiction to opium and wrote of his experiences in Confessions of an English Opium Easter , a best-selling book published in 1822. This video discusses the background to this work, featuring the author’s opium scales and manuscript.

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Jeff Cowton

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Romanticism on the Net An open access journal devoted to British Romantic literature

On Dove Cottage

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