William Hazlitt, English essayist and critic (d. 1830)

William Hazlitt: A Polymath of the Romantic Age

William Hazlitt (10 April 1778 – 18 September 1830) stands as one of the most intellectually vibrant and multifaceted figures of the English Romantic period. Born in Maidstone, Kent, his life spanned an era of immense cultural and political transformation, which profoundly influenced his work. Hazlitt was not merely an essayist, but a true polymath, making significant contributions across various intellectual disciplines. He distinguished himself as a keen drama and literary critic, offering insightful commentary on the plays and poetry of his time. Beyond the literary realm, he was also a practicing painter, a sharp social commentator who often challenged prevailing norms, and a profound philosopher whose thoughts on aesthetics, human nature, and political liberty continue to resonate. This remarkable breadth of talent cemented his place as a towering intellectual presence.

An Enduring Legacy in Criticism and Letters

Today, William Hazlitt is deservedly celebrated as one of the preeminent critics and essayists in the entire history of the English language. His incisive prose, intellectual rigor, and passionate engagement with his subjects place him in the exalted company of literary titans such as Samuel Johnson, known for his monumental dictionary and critical biographies, and George Orwell, famed for his clear-eyed social and political commentary. What unites these figures, including Hazlitt, is their unflinching honesty and their ability to dissect complex ideas with remarkable clarity and conviction. Furthermore, Hazlitt's contributions as an art critic were unparalleled in his era; he is widely acknowledged as the finest art critic of his age, possessing a rare ability to articulate both the technical nuances and the emotional impact of visual art, often connecting it to broader philosophical and cultural currents.

The Curious Paradox: Esteem Versus Readership

Despite his undeniable high standing among literary and art historians, who consistently recognize his profound influence and intellectual brilliance, Hazlitt's work currently faces a curious paradox: it is regrettably little read by the general public and much of it remains out of print. This situation stands in stark contrast to his historical importance and the widespread acclaim he receives within academic circles. While the exact reasons are complex, it is perhaps due to the demanding nature of his prose, which, though brilliant, often delves deeply into specific cultural and literary debates of his time, or perhaps because his reputation has been somewhat overshadowed by more popularly accessible contemporaries in the grand narrative of English literature. Nevertheless, his insights remain remarkably fresh and pertinent for those willing to explore his extensive oeuvre.

A Circle of Literary Giants

During his lifetime, William Hazlitt cultivated friendships and intellectual relationships with an extraordinary array of individuals who would themselves become cornerstones of the 19th-century literary canon. These were not mere acquaintances but often intense intellectual exchanges that shaped the literary landscape of the Romantic period. His close connections included the beloved essayist Charles Lamb and his equally gifted sister, Mary Lamb, with whom he shared a deep bond of intellectual camaraderie. He also corresponded and interacted with influential European minds like the French novelist Stendhal. Crucially, Hazlitt was an intimate of the pioneering Romantic poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth, key figures in the Lakeland Poets movement, whose works he both championed and critically examined. His circle also embraced the younger generation of Romantics, notably the exquisite poet John Keats. These relationships highlight Hazlitt's central position within the intellectual and creative heart of early 19th-century Britain, offering a unique window into the vibrant cultural tapestry of his time.

Frequently Asked Questions About William Hazlitt

Who was William Hazlitt?

William Hazlitt (1778–1830) was an influential English essayist, drama and literary critic, painter, social commentator, and philosopher of the Romantic era. He is celebrated for his incisive prose and profound intellectual contributions.

Why is William Hazlitt considered important in English literature?

He is highly regarded as one of the greatest critics and essayists in English literary history, often compared to figures like Samuel Johnson and George Orwell. He was also acknowledged as the finest art critic of his age, known for his deep insights into both literature and art.

What made Hazlitt's art criticism unique?

Hazlitt possessed a remarkable ability to blend aesthetic theory with passionate, observational analysis. He could articulate both the technical aspects and the emotional resonance of visual art, often connecting it to broader philosophical and cultural ideas.

Who were some of Hazlitt's famous friends and contemporaries?

He maintained close relationships with many leading literary figures of his time, including Charles and Mary Lamb, the French novelist Stendhal, and the prominent Romantic poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Wordsworth, and John Keats.

Why is William Hazlitt's work not widely read today despite his critical acclaim?

Despite his high standing among historians and scholars, his work is currently less accessible to the general public, with much of it being out of print. This might be due to the demanding nature of his prose or the specific historical and literary contexts he often addressed, which can require more dedicated engagement from modern readers.