"The Spirit of the Age" is a collection of essays written by the English writer and critic William Hazlitt, originally published in 1825. The book contains profiles of some of the most notable literary and cultural figures of the time, including poets, novelists, politicians, and artists. Hazlitt's essays are characterized by his sharp and perceptive observations, as well as his willingness to criticize and praise his subjects in equal measure. He is particularly interested in the personalities and motivations of his subjects, exploring not only their work but also their lives and reputations. Some of the figures profiled in the book include William Wordsworth, Lord Byron, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Godwin, and Sir Walter Scott, among others. Hazlitt's insights into these figures offer a unique perspective on the intellectual and cultural trends of the early 19th century. Overall, "The Spirit of the Age" is a fascinating and insightful collection of essays that captures the intellectual and cultural atmosphere of the time. Hazlitt's writing is engaging and perceptive, and his essays continue to be read and studied today as an important contribution to literary and cultural criticism.
William Hazlitt (1778-1830) was an English essayist, critic, and philosopher, renowned for his clear and elegant writing style and his insightful commentary on literature, politics, and art. He was born in Maidstone, Kent, England, the son of a Unitarian minister, and spent his early years traveling with his family throughout England and Ireland. In 1793, at the age of fifteen, Hazlitt entered the Unitarian College in Hackney, London, where he studied theology, but he left after only a year due to disagreements with his professors. In 1798, he began to work as a journalist and wrote for various newspapers, including the Morning Chronicle and the Examiner. In 1802, he published his first book, An Essay on the Principles of Human Action, which established his reputation as a philosophical writer. In 1805, Hazlitt met and fell in love with Sarah Stoddart, the sister of his friend John Stoddart. They were married in 1808, and had three sons together. However, their marriage was unhappy, and they separated in 1819. Hazlitt died in Soho, London, in 1830, at the age of 52. Despite his many achievements as a writer, he struggled with poverty and ill health throughout his life, and his reputation as a literary figure only began to be fully appreciated after his death. Today, he is recognized as one of the most important and influential writers of the Romantic era.
