[DE QUINCEY, Thomas (1785-1859)]. Confessions of an English Opium-Eater; Appearing in The Saturday Magazine. Philadelphia: E. Littell, 1822. 8vo. 592, [4, Index] pp. Bound in contemporary marbled boards with red calf corners, rebacked to style in later red calf, gilt. THE FIRST AMERICAN APPEARANCE OF THOMAS DEQUINCEY’S CONFESSIONS OF AN ENGLISH OPIUM-EATER. SCARCE. 

“…the most famous account of drug addiction in English literature” (Norman) and the earliest example of “addiction literature” in the English language. Confessions was first published anonymously in The London Magazine in September and October, 1821. This American edition appeared a few months later in The Saturday Magazine. Vol. II, Nos. 1 – 21, January 5 – May 25, 1822.

Printer’s wastepaper to rear board, clipped contemporary periodical ads to endleaves. Rubbed and worn, with loss to corners and board edges; foxed and toned throughout, front matter a bit creased and dampstained. Still, very good.