PENGUIN CLASSICS FIGHT AND OTHER WRITINGS A NEW SELECTION

William Hazlitt was 'one of the greatest masters of English prose style', writes Tom Paulin in his Introduction, the writer who 'makes criticism into an art form'. He leapt to fame in 1814 with his review of Edmund Kean as Shylock, and throughout his life he was fascinated by powerful performances - whether by boxers, rope-dancers or Shakespearean actors. Deeply knowledgeable about painting, thrilled by dioramas, magic lantern shows and other precursors of the cinema, he had a film director's eye for the individual gesture.

This selection contains the celebrated pen-portraits of Bentham, Coleridge and Wordsworth, as well as pieces on Poussin, genius, the pleasure of hating and the Elgin Marbles. All are full of imaginative insight and sharp sensory detail, blending a patchwork of phrases from Burke, Shakespeare and Milton into something totally fresh and self-revealing.

This edition offers a unique selection of Hazlitt's writings together with a critical introduction by Tom Paulin, explanatory notes and index of texts.

‘Hazlitt is a tough, exciting writer … #his# legacy is, basically, the best journalism you will ever read’ Nicholas Lezard, Guardian

William Hazlitt was ‘one of the greatest masters of English prose style’, writes Tom Paulin in his Introduction, the writer who ‘makes criticism into an art form’.

‘Pick of the Week… Buy this and be astonished at his relevance, his steely mind and his big heart’ Guardian