The collected works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 02 (of 12)

"The Collected Works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 02 (of 12)" by William Hazlitt is a literary collection written in the early 19th century. In this volume, Hazlitt presents a mix of biographical memoirs, personal reflections, and critical writings that explore themes such as individual experience and the nature of art and literature. It features the "Memoirs of Thomas Holcroft," which recounts the life of the playwright and novelist, showcasing the trials and adventures he faced. The opening of the volume introduces the memoirs of Thomas Holcroft, detailing his early childhood and the tumultuous life he led. Holcroft reflects on his family's struggles, his father's entrepreneurial spirit, and the hardships they faced, including moving away from London and venturing into the world as itinerant pedlars. Through vivid anecdotes, Holcroft shares his impressions of childhood experiences, touching upon his education, family dynamics, and interactions with various characters that shaped his early years. The beginning sets a foundation for examining the development of Holcroft's character and the significant events that influenced his later life choices, emphasized by Hazlitt's engaging narrative style. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Hazlitt was an English essayist, drama and literary critic, painter, social commentator, and philosopher. He is now considered one of the greatest critics and essayists in the history of the English language, placed in the company of Samuel Johnson and George Orwell. He is also acknowledged as the finest art critic of his age. Despite his high standing among historians of literature and art, his work is currently little read and mostly out of print.