On Murder Considered as One of the Fine Arts

In his intriguing and darkly humorous essay, Thomas de Quincey explores the act of murder from an aesthetic perspective, arguing that it involves far more than mere violence and tragedy. De Quincey humorously suggests that nearly every philosopher has faced a deadly threat, implying that a lack of such an attempt is a sure sign of insignificance in the philosophical world. This essay is part of the Little Black Classics series, launched to commemorate Penguin's 80th anniversary. The series offers a rich tapestry of the diverse spectrum of works within Penguin Classics, presenting narratives and ideas from various cultures and historical periods. Readers are taken on journeys ranging from a balloon flight over Victorian London to experiencing the serene beauty of a blossoming Japanese garden, touching corners of the world from Tierra del Fuego to 16th-century California and the vast Russian steppes. The collection features an array of compelling stories, from the poetic and epic to the satirical and transformational, reflecting concepts that have influenced countless lives.Thomas de Quincey (1785-1859) is renowned for works such as "Confessions of an English Opium-Eater," also available in the Penguin Classics collection, offering further insight into his unique literary contributions.