Register - Log In


FunTrivia Homepage


  • New Questions

  • Unanswered


  • Post a Question

    • Goto Qn #




    Archives

    What specifically connects an unknown starving English author who became famous for portraying his own drug addiction, a very well known novel written as a result of a bet, and a word meaning 'to praise'?

    Question #63190. Asked by peasypod. (Mar 06 06 10:54 PM)


    Sabine06

    		Thomas de Quincey who wrote Confessions of an English Opium -Eater (and was at one point homeless and near starvation) was addicted to laudanum... as I think was Allan Quatermain the hero of King Solomon's Mines which H Rider Haggard wrote as a result of a bet with his brother that he could write a novel as good at RL Stevenson's Treasure Island. The word 'laudanum' was coined by the alchemist Percelsus possibly from the same root as 'laud' meaning to praise.

    Mar 06 06, 11:39 PM
    peasypod

    		Well, 3/4 of a banana for that effort, Sabine, well done.

    Yup, I was after laudanum with connections to Quincey and coming from the Latin 'to praise', but I had another, quite definate character in mind who was addicted to the stuff in a VERY well known novel which came about as a bet.

    Any other takers?

    Mar 07 06, 2:35 PM
    lanfranco

    		I think I'll go for "Frankenstein."

    And here's a site on this storied substance:


    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laudanum

    Mar 07 06, 3:13 PM
    peasypod

    		Very good, Frankie.

    The bet, of course, was between Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, Mary Godwin (eventually Mrs Shelley), and John Polidori (whom which came up with 'The Vampyre').

    Mar 07 06, 4:23 PM

    Find something useful here? Please help us spread the word about FunTrivia. Recommend this page below!


    Sign up to see all responses!

    Create a Free ID instantly to see all recent responses, post your own follow-ups or questions, and access over 1,000,000 trivia questions!

    Choose a User Name:
    Your Email Address:
    Choose a Password:

    I agree by the terms outlined in FunTrivia's Conditions of Use




    Other Similar Questions & Answers


    What word in the English language, when written, can be turned upside down to result in an abbreviation of the antonym of the original word?

    A Pole had two violin concertos, the second is very famous, the first, much less. A Czech had two string quartets, first is very famous, second almost unknown. A Russian had two piano concertos, first is probably the most famous ever written, second almost unknown. Another Russian wrote two symphonies, first is often played, second nearly never. Do you know who those guys were?

    In a newly released book, an author tells the tale of his drug addiction and difficulties rehabilitating. What is the author's name, along with the name of the book?

    Suggested Related FunTrivia Quizzes - 90,000 currently online

    1 It is Written!
    In this quiz I will ask questions regarding written or inscribed sayings, slogans or other famous words that can be prominently seen in films. See if you can't recall these written words amongst the other visual imagery...good luck!
    		Something in Common Tough
    10 Q
    thejazzkickazz
    Sep 14 04
    702 plays
    2 "1632": The Novel
    "1632" is the first book in Eric Flint's alternate history series, in which a small coal-mining town is transported by the Ring of Fire from late twentieth century West Virginia to seventeenth century Germany.
    		F Average
    10 Q
    julia103
    Jun 02 09
    135 plays
    3 2001: The Novel
    Sure, you've probably seen Kubrick's classic film, but have you read Clarke's fantastic novel, written while Kubrick worked on his screenplay? These questions will not in any way depend on having viewed the film or read any of the sequels.
    		Clarke, A.C. Difficult
    10 Q
    filmmaker03
    Jul 08 06
    225 plays




    "Ask FunTrivia" is for entertainment purposes only, and answers offered are unverified and unchecked by FunTrivia. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or veracity of ANY statement posted. Feel free to post an updated response if you feel that an answer is inadequate or incorrect. Please thoroughly research items where accuracy is important to you using multiple reliable sources. By accessing our website, you agree to be bound by our terms of service.