Table Talk (ePub)

William Hazlitt (1778-1830), a seminal English writer known for his humanistic essays and literary criticism, was born in Maidstone, Kent, and educated by his father, a Unitarian minister. By the early 19th century, Hazlitt became a prominent figure among the literary circle that included the likes of Wordsworth and Coleridge, though his views later diverged from their romantic inclinations. A prolific writer, Hazlitt crafted some of the most incisive prose of his time, marked by clarity, vigor, and the poignant articulation of personal experience into universal truths. His works often reflected his keen interest in art, politics, philosophy, and social commentary, with a style that mixed introspection with critical acuity. 'Table Talk; or, Original Essays' (1821-1822), a two-volume collection of Hazlitt's essays, showcases a conversational tone while presenting an eclectic range of subjects from the fine arts to the pleasures of hating, blending scholarly criticism with casual reflection. The essays are celebrated for their critical precision and spirited eloquence, embodying the robust analytical tradition in English letters. Hazlitt's approachable yet scholarly style resulted in essays that were both meditative on human nature and indicative of the society of his era.