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

This volume brings together the memoirs of a remarkable eighteenth‑century playwright, journalist and reformer, assembled from his own diary entries, letters, and the recollections of close friends. Edited with care by William Hazlitt and introduced by W. E. Henley, the collection offers a meticulously compiled portrait that preserves the author’s original voice while providing helpful context for modern listeners.

The opening chapters trace his birth in London’s Orange Court, the quirks of his family’s spelling of his name, and the vivid childhood impressions that shaped him. Even as illness threatened his final days, he dictated his story word by word, determined to leave a complete account of his life. Interspersed with candid letters and anecdotes, the narrative conveys his fierce resolve and the immediacy of his experiences.

Listeners will discover a lively, intimate portrait of a man navigating the literary and political currents of his time. The memoir’s clear, engaging prose invites you to walk alongside his early adventures, offering both personal insight and a window into the world of late‑Georgian England.