Lectures on the English Poets Delivered at the Surrey Institution By: William Hazlitt (1778-1830)
Lectures on the English Poets Delivered at the Surrey Institution by William Hazlitt is a compelling collection of lectures that explores the works of some of the greatest poets in English literature. Hazlitt, a renowned critic and essayist of the Romantic era, delves into the poems of Shakespeare, Milton, Dryden, Pope, and other celebrated figures, providing insightful analysis and thought-provoking interpretations. Hazlitt's delivery and style of these lectures are remarkable. His passion for and deep understanding of poetry shine through every word, making the reader feel as if they were attending the lectures themselves. He seamlessly weaves together historical context, literary analysis, and personal anecdotes, creating an engaging narrative that keeps the reader captivated. What sets this book apart from other literary criticism texts is the way Hazlitt intertwines his appreciation for poetry with broader discussions on the human condition. He not only discusses the technical aspects of the poets' works but also reflects on the emotional and philosophical implications of their writings. Hazlitt explores how poetry captures the essence of human experience, touches our deepest emotions, and allows us to glimpse into the souls of the poets themselves. One of the most striking aspects of Hazlitt's lectures is his ability to make the poets and their work relatable to the reader. He breaks down complex themes and language, making them accessible to both academics and general readers. By untangling the nuances of the poems, Hazlitt reveals the sheer brilliance of these poets and enhances our appreciation for their craft. Another noteworthy element of this book is the richness of Hazlitt's insights, which go beyond the surface-level analysis commonly found in literary criticism. His observations on the human psyche, the power of imagination, and the relationship between art and reality add a profound depth to the discussions. It is evident that Hazlitt approaches poetry not merely as an object of study, but as a profound means of understanding the human experience. While this book presents a comprehensive overview of some of the most revered English poets, it is important to note that it requires some prior knowledge of the poets and their works. Hazlitt assumes his readers are familiar with the poems he discusses, and therefore, those without any background in poetry may find certain parts challenging to follow. Overall, Lectures on the English Poets Delivered at the Surrey Institution is a captivating read for anyone interested in poetry, literature, or the Romantic era. Hazlitt's eloquent writing and profound insights make this collection of lectures a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the power and significance of English poetry. Whether a seasoned academic or an enthusiast of the arts, this book offers a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration that will leave readers with a renewed appreciation for the enchanting world of poetry. First Page: E text prepared by R. W. Jones Transcriber's note: This file was proofed, using a text to speech reader, against the hard copy 2nd. edition published in 1819. No attempt has been made to change the text of any of the quoted verse to reflect later editors' amendments. Italics are indicated thus. The footnotes are serially numbered from the first to the last Lecture, unlike in the original. LECTURES ON THE ENGLISH POETS Delivered at the Surrey Institution by WILLIAM HAZLITT CONTENTS. LECTURE I. INTRODUCTORY. ON POETRY IN GENERAL. LECTURE II. ON CHAUCER AND SPENSER. LECTURE III. ON SHAKSPEARE AND MILTON. LECTURE IV. ON DRYDEN AND POPE. LECTURE V. ON THOMSON AND COWPER. LECTURE VI. ON SWIFT, YOUNG, GRAY, COLLINS &c. LECTURE VII. ON BURNS, AND THE OLD ENGLISH BALLADS. LECTURE VIII. ON THE LIVING POETS. LECTURE I. INTRODUCTORY ON POETRY IN GENERAL. The best general notion which I can give of poetry is, that it is the natural impression of any object or event, by its vividness exciting an involuntary movement of imagination and passion, and producing, by sympathy, a certain modulation of the voice, or sounds, expressing it... Continue reading book >>

Lectures on the English Poets Delivered at the Surrey Institution By: William Hazlitt (1778-1830)

Lectures on the English Poets Delivered at the Surrey Institution by William Hazlitt is a compelling collection of lectures that explores the works of some of the greatest poets in English literature. Hazlitt, a renowned critic and essayist of the Romantic era, delves into the poems of Shakespeare, Milton, Dryden, Pope, and other celebrated figures, providing insightful analysis and thought-provoking interpretations.

Hazlitt's delivery and style of these lectures are remarkable. His passion for and deep understanding of poetry shine through every word, making the reader feel as if they were attending the lectures themselves. He seamlessly weaves together historical context, literary analysis, and personal anecdotes, creating an engaging narrative that keeps the reader captivated.

What sets this book apart from other literary criticism texts is the way Hazlitt intertwines his appreciation for poetry with broader discussions on the human condition. He not only discusses the technical aspects of the poets' works but also reflects on the emotional and philosophical implications of their writings. Hazlitt explores how poetry captures the essence of human experience, touches our deepest emotions, and allows us to glimpse into the souls of the poets themselves.

One of the most striking aspects of Hazlitt's lectures is his ability to make the poets and their work relatable to the reader. He breaks down complex themes and language, making them accessible to both academics and general readers. By untangling the nuances of the poems, Hazlitt reveals the sheer brilliance of these poets and enhances our appreciation for their craft.

Another noteworthy element of this book is the richness of Hazlitt's insights, which go beyond the surface-level analysis commonly found in literary criticism. His observations on the human psyche, the power of imagination, and the relationship between art and reality add a profound depth to the discussions. It is evident that Hazlitt approaches poetry not merely as an object of study, but as a profound means of understanding the human experience.

While this book presents a comprehensive overview of some of the most revered English poets, it is important to note that it requires some prior knowledge of the poets and their works. Hazlitt assumes his readers are familiar with the poems he discusses, and therefore, those without any background in poetry may find certain parts challenging to follow.

Overall, Lectures on the English Poets Delivered at the Surrey Institution is a captivating read for anyone interested in poetry, literature, or the Romantic era. Hazlitt's eloquent writing and profound insights make this collection of lectures a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the power and significance of English poetry. Whether a seasoned academic or an enthusiast of the arts, this book offers a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration that will leave readers with a renewed appreciation for the enchanting world of poetry.

First Page:

E text prepared by R. W. Jones

Transcriber's note: This file was proofed, using a text to speech reader, against the hard copy 2nd. edition published in 1819. No attempt has been made to change the text of any of the quoted verse to reflect later editors' amendments. Italics are indicated thus. The footnotes are serially numbered from the first to the last Lecture, unlike in the original.

LECTURES ON THE ENGLISH POETS

Delivered at the Surrey Institution

WILLIAM HAZLITT

CONTENTS.

LECTURE I. INTRODUCTORY. ON POETRY IN GENERAL.

LECTURE II. ON CHAUCER AND SPENSER.

LECTURE III. ON SHAKSPEARE AND MILTON.

LECTURE IV. ON DRYDEN AND POPE.

LECTURE V. ON THOMSON AND COWPER.

LECTURE VI. ON SWIFT, YOUNG, GRAY, COLLINS &c.

LECTURE VII. ON BURNS, AND THE OLD ENGLISH BALLADS.

LECTURE VIII. ON THE LIVING POETS.

LECTURE I. INTRODUCTORY ON POETRY IN GENERAL.

The best general notion which I can give of poetry is, that it is the natural impression of any object or event, by its vividness exciting an involuntary movement of imagination and passion, and producing, by sympathy, a certain modulation of the voice, or sounds, expressing it... Continue reading book >>

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