On the Pleasure of Hating

William Hazlitt's tough, combative writings on subjects ranging from slavery to the imagination, boxing matches to the monarchy, established him as one of the greatest radicals of his age and have inspired journalists and political satirists ever since.

William Hazlitt (1778–1830) was a prolific journalist, parliamentary reporter, drama and literary critic, essayist, and lecturer. He was the one of the first English writers to make a profession of descriptive criticism. Some of his most famous works include Characters of Shakespeare’s Plays and ...