Als Agnes, die junge Frau des Erzählers, an einem strahlenden Frühlingstag aufbricht, um in der Stadt kleinere Besorgungen zu erledigen, ahnt noch niemand von dem Unwetter, das sich bereits über ihr zusammenbraut. Selbst das diffuse Gefühl ihres Mannes, dass sich von irgendeiner geheimen Stunde an immerzu ein Unheil auf ihn und seine Familie zubewege, rüstet keinen der beiden hinlänglich dafür, dass schon bald alle Marksteine eines erinnerungswürdigen Glücks hinweggefegt und von dem Frieden und dem Ansehen ihres bisherigen Lebens nur mehr Ruinen bleiben werden. Geschrieben in einer...

"Confessions of an English Opium-Eater" is an autobiographical account written by Thomas De Quincey about his addiction to laudanum. It has interesting thoughts about the emotional and psychological factors that push people, especially teens, to try opium. The author also speaks about the pleasures of the drug and the horrors of physical and mental degradation.

"The Miscellaneous Essays" by de Quincey reflect his interest in numerous topics. The topics truly vary: some essays review the phenomenon of murder as an artistic act, the others cover the theme of sudden death. Also, there are essays dedicated to Joan of Arc. Despite the variety of topics, all the articles are generally connected as they reflect different sides of the author's worldview. It's worth mentioning that de Quincey's philosophy, reflected in these essays, influenced such significant figures as Edgar Allan Poe, Fitz Hugh Ludlow, and Charles Baudelaire.

Thomas De Quincey's 'Confessions of an English Opium-Eater' is a groundbreaking work of autobiography that delves into the author's struggles with opium addiction in the 19th century. De Quincey's vivid descriptions of his experiences under the influence of the drug provide a stark look at the destructive power of addiction, while his introspective musings on the nature of consciousness and perception add a philosophical depth to the narrative. Written in a captivating and confessional style, the book blurs the lines between reality and hallucination, inviting readers to explore the dark...