Selections from William Hazlitt

Preface

This volume gives^ as far as space permits, essays of Hazlitt which distinguish him as a critic of painting, of .the drama, of books, and of life. If the lover of Hazlitt fails to find here some favorite essay, let him take consolation from the fact that the present editor has again and again been compelled to omit some essay without which at first he thought the volume would be altogether incomplete. Though restricted, the selection will, it is hoped, introduce the new reader to one of the most interesting men and one of the most stimulating critics, one who could write truthfully, " I have endeavored to feel what is good and to give a reason for the faith that was in me, when necessary and when in my power."

Each of the essays, complete in itself, has been carefully printed from the text which was approved by Hazlitt himself. Even the spelling and punctuation of the original have been scrupulously followed. This will explain certain inconsistencies in punctuation and in the spelling, especially of proper names.

Doubtless Hazlitt, sentimentalist as he was, would have smiled at any editor who should attempt to identify his quotations and to explain his references. However, in the study of an essayist it is interesting to know something of the wealth of his reading, and it is necessary to explain the allusions which, though clear to the reader of his day, are obscure to us of another century.

I desire to express my indebtedness to Mr. A. R. Waller, of Cambridge, England, to Mr. J. Rogers Rees, of Salisbury, England, to Professor G. L. Kittredge, of Harvard University, and vi SELECTIONS FROM HAZLITT

to Professor C. T. Winchester, of Wesleyan University, all of

whom have given most helpful suggestions. Professor Winchester

has kindly read the entire proof. For their courtesy at all times

I thank the authorities of the Boston Public Library, the Harvard

University Library, the Bodleian, the British Museum and the

Williams Library in London, where I was permitted to read the

Crabb Robinson manuscript.

Contents

PAGE