In the autumn of 1859 the frail physique of the now famous Opium-Eater grew gradually feeble, although suffering from no definite disease. It became evident that his life was drawing to its end. On December 8, his two daughters standing by his side, he fell into a doze. His mind had been wandering amid the scenes of his childhood, and his last utterance was the cry, "Sister, sister, sister!" as if in recognition of one awaiting him, one who had been often in his dreams, the beloved Elizabeth, whose death had made so profound and lasting an impression on his imagination as a child. * * * * * The authoritative edition of _De Quincey's Works_ is that edited by David Masson and published in fourteen volumes by Adam and Charles Black (Edinburgh). For American students the _Riverside Edition_, in twelve volumes (Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston), will be found convenient. The most satisfactory _Life of De Quincey_ is the one by Masson in the _English Men of Letters_ series. Of a more anecdotal type are the _Life of De Quincey_, by H.A. Page, whose real name is Alexander H. Japp (2 vols., New York, 1877), and _De Quincey Memorials_ (New York, 1891), by the same author. Very interesting is the brief volume, _Recollections of Thomas De Quincey_, by John R. Findlay (Edinburgh, 1886), who also contributes the paper on _De Quincey_ to the _Encyclopaedia Britannica_. _De Quincey and his Friends_, by James Hogg (London, 1895), is another volume of recollections, souvenirs, and anecdotes, which help to make real their subject's personality. Besides the editor, other writers contribute to this volume: Richard Woodhouse, John R. Findlay, and John Hill Burton, who has given under the name "Papaverius," a picturesque description of the Opium-Eater. The student should always remember that De Quincey's own chapters in the _Autobiographic Sketches_, and the _Confessions of an English Opium-Eater_, which are among the most charming and important of his writings, are also the most authoritative and most valuable sources of our information concerning him. In reading about De Quincey, do not fail to read De Quincey himself. The best criticism of the Opium-Eater's work is found in William Minto's _Manual of English Prose Literature_ (Ginn & Co.). A shorter essay is contained in Saintsbury's _History of Nineteenth Century Literature_. A very valuable list of all De Quincey's writings, in chronological order, is given by Fred N. Scott, in his edition of De Quincey's essays on _Style, Rhetoric_, and _Language_ (Allyn & Bacon). Numerous magazine articles may be found by referring to Poole's Index. FOOTNOTES: [1] _Autobiographic Sketches_, Chap. I. [2] _Ibid._ [3] _Confessions of an English Opium-Eater_, Part II. [4] _De Quincey_ (_English Men of Letters_), David Masson, p. 110. HOW TO READ DE QUINCEY.