The collected works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 08 (of 12)

Name: The collected works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 08 (of 12)
Author: William Hazlitt

By William Hazlitt

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British Literature Essays, Letters & Speeches Humour

About This Book

The collection presents a series of lectures and essays that begin by defining wit, humour, and the psychology of laughter, then applies those ideas to readings of English comic writers and the stage. It contrasts Shakespeare and Ben Jonson, surveys Restoration dramatists and periodical essayists, assesses novelists' comic techniques, and interprets Hogarth’s art in relation to comic and grand styles of representation. The prose blends theoretical definition with close literary and artistic analysis, offering character sketches, stylistic judgments, and reflections on how incongruity and disrupted expectation produce comic effect.

About the Author

William Hazlitt

William Hazlitt (1778-1830) was an English essayist, literary critic, and philosopher, known for his keen insights into literature and the human condition. His work often reflects a deep appreciation for the arts, particularly in his notable essays such as "Characters of Shakespeare's Plays" and "Table Talk: Essays on Men and Manners." Hazlitt's lectures, including "Lectures on the English Poets," showcase his ability to blend personal reflection with critical analysis. He is recognized for his passionate style and his contributions to Romantic literature, making him a significant figure in the literary heritage of the early 19th century.