Liber Amoris, Or, The New Pygmalion (eBook)

William Hazlitt (1778–1830) stands out as one of the most prominent essayists and critics of the 19th century. His works are distinguished by his unique blend of passionate emotion and intellectual rigor, which have captured the attention of readers for generations. Born on April 10, 1778, in Maidstone, Kent, England, Hazlitt exhibited a precocious interest in philosophy and literature. His early fascination with the power of expression and the arts led him to his career as a writer and a critic. A central figure among the Romantic writers, Hazlitt's contemporaries included Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Keats, whom he both critiqued and admired. His writing style, noted for its clarity, vigor, and a keen sense of the personal, injected a subjective ardor that bridged the gap between the writer and the reader, fostering a sense of intimacy rare in critical essays. Among his numerous essays and literary critiques, Hazlitt is perhaps best remembered for 'Characters of Shakespeare's Plays' (1817), which not only showcased his astute literary observations but also his profound appreciation for Shakespeare's genius. Another significant work, 'Liber Amoris, Or, The New Pygmalion' (1823), is an intensely personal narrative exploring unrequited love, showcasing Hazlitt's depth of feeling and psychological insight. Emerging as a controversial piece, it deviates from Hazlitt's traditional critiques, offering an unguarded look at his private heartaches. This biographical element, coupled with his analytical prowess, has cemented William Hazlitt's legacy as a writer who could blend personal experience with literary commentary, creating essays that resonate with authenticity and contemplative depth.