The collected works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 04 (of 12)

William Hazlitt’s sharp wit and vivid imagination shine through this early‑19th‑century collection, where his essays mingle moral reflection with lively prose. The volume opens with his spirited “Reply to Malthus,” a series of letters that confront the famous population theorist’s ideas on poverty and social policy. Hazlitt’s arguments are as much a moral crusade as a literary performance, using vivid metaphors to expose the harshness he perceives in Malthus’s conclusions.

The edition is thoughtfully prepared by scholars who provide a careful introduction and detailed notes, helping modern listeners navigate the historical references and Hazlitt’s dense rhetorical style. Whether you are drawn to the period’s political debates or simply enjoy eloquent, argumentative writing, this selection offers a window into the passionate discourse that shaped early Victorian thought, all delivered in Hazlitt’s unmistakably engaging voice.