Who is the author of "Confessions of an English Opium-Eater"?

"Confessions of an English Opium-Eater" is a seminal work authored by Thomas de Quincey, published in 1821. This text is considered one of the first examples of a memoir that examines drug addiction, as it chronicles de Quincey’s own experiences with opium and its effects on his mind and life.

De Quincey's style blends autobiographical narrative with philosophical reflection, contributing to the Romantic literary tradition by exploring themes of excess, addiction, and the complexities of human emotion. This particular work is significant not only for its content but also for its influence on later discussions about addiction and altered states of consciousness.

The other authors listed, while notable in their own right, are not associated with this specific text. Samuel Taylor Coleridge, for example, is well known for his own struggles with opium but did not write "Confessions of an English Opium-Eater." Similarly, Charlotte Smith and Anna Letitia Barbauld are recognized for their contributions to Romantic poetry and prose but are not connected to de Quincey's influential memoir. Thus, Thomas de Quincey is unequivocally the correct answer, as he is the one who brought this unique narrative and perspective to the literary landscape.