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The second part of this book (equivalent to the last third of the whole) is a very compelling and descriptive read. This is where the effects of opium on De Quincey's person are chiefly discussed, and it is by far the most interesting part of the book.
My favourite aspect of this book was De Quincey's style, especially his humour. In this later edition though, De Quincey chooses to fill the first few pages with his response to some criticism, which was aimed at the first edition of the text. I have nothing positive to say about that part.
The two thirds that follow recount events in De Quinceys's teen years, which do give some background to his lifelong pains, but ultimately go on for too long. This lengthy account is also sometimes interrupted by tangents on various cultural topics as the author sees fit. In my personal opinion, some of them provided insight and were interesting, some not, but regardless I'd much rather there be as few as possible.
The second part of this book (equivalent to the last third of the whole) is a very compelling and descriptive read. This is where the effects of opium on De Quincey's person are chiefly discussed, and it is by far the most interesting part of the book.
My favourite aspect of this book was De Quincey's style, especially his humour. In this later edition though, De Quincey chooses to fill the first few pages with his response to some criticism, which was aimed at the first edition of the text. I have nothing positive to say about that part.
The two thirds that follow recount events in De Quinceys's teen years, which do give some background to his lifelong pains, but ultimately go on for too long. This lengthy account is also sometimes interrupted by tangents on various cultural topics as the author sees fit. In my personal opinion, some of them provided insight and were interesting, some not, but regardless I'd much rather there be as few as possible.