Thomas de Quincey
Thomas de Quincey is an outstanding example of the writer of genius who is forced to limit his output to the demands of journalism. His collected works fill sixteen volumes, and contain passages of great beauty and critical insight; but his reputation with the reading public rests almost entirely upon his ' Confessions of an Opium Eater' and the delicious satire of Murder as a Fine Art.' This erratic genius should provide material for an absorbing and amusing talk.