Grevel Lindop

Not what one would consider a "page-turner", this biography is a well constructed biography on the life of the poet Thomas De Quincy. His early life plagued by death and an austere up-bringing, De Quincey led a hard and often times tragic life. Lindop does an excellent job of presenting the compelling life of the poet. Lindop allows Thomas De Quincey's life to tell itself. He presents a factual representation of De Quincey's life, only giving suppositions when supported by research. A well written biography that I would highly recommend.… (mais)

This was sent as an Early Reviewer Ebook and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It gives a wonderful account of life starting in the late 1700's through the mid 1800's. Thomas DeQuincey was certainly a complex person and the majority of his difficulties seem to have been self inflicted. From rash financial decisions which led to moneylenders, puffed up self worthiness which led to an air of entitlement, to burdening his friends, family and publishers with his incessant procrastination and debt, this was a paradox of a man. The women in his life were long suffering, starting with his overbearing mother. He seems to have been the victim of sternness and lack of love, and yet he is coddled and fussed over as hypochondriac youth! He suffered through loss of siblings, most notable a sister early in his life, then various friends and acquaintances which the sensitive youth/man never recovered. This became the basis of his poems, prose and his dreams/nightmares. Add to this massive depression and you can follow his reasoning behind the decision to use opium. And yet, he was lucky in the love of his wife, children and close friends that tended to and protected him all of his life. At the end, it seemed he was a most likable man and I felt as if I was saying goodbye to Mr. Chips, sad for his missed opportunities and crossed purposes, but happy he was going home to see the love ones he missed.… (mais)