Revisionary gleam

"This study seeks to radically revise our understanding of Thomas De Quincey's literary career by demonstrating the persistence of a profoundly compromised politics within his work despite the Opium-Eater's avowed Toryism. The author subtly and convincingly brings neglected dimensions of De Quincey's early politics to the fore and examines often overlooked essays to present a fresh interpretation of this oeuvre." "De Quincey's relations with Coleridge, Wordsworth, Burke, Kant, and the Liverpool literary society of Roscoe, Currie and others are investigated and his critical development is mapped out with regard to leading political concerns of he period such as revolution, reform and colonial expansion. Theory and scholarship are here combined to present new perspectives on De Quincey and his legacy to literary and to romantic studies."--Jacket.