The Plain Speaker: Opinions on Books, Men, and Things


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The Plain Speaker is a thought-provoking collection of essays by the renowned English essayist William Hazlitt, curated posthumously by his grandson. This anthology brings together a selection of Hazlitt's insightful reflections on literature, society, and the human experience, showcasing his keen observations and distinctive voice.

In these essays, Hazlitt explores a variety of topics, from the nature of art and the role of the critic to the intricacies of personal relationships and the complexities of human character. His writing is characterized by a blend of passionate argumentation and personal anecdote, making his opinions both engaging and relatable.

As a significant figure in the Romantic literary movement, Hazlitt's work offers a unique perspective that resonates with readers interested in the intersection of literature and philosophy. The Plain Speaker serves not only as a window into Hazlitt's mind but also as a reflection of the cultural and intellectual currents of his time.

Chapters

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On the Prose Style of Poets, part 1 20:07 Read by Bob Gonzalez
On the Prose Style of Poets, part 2 19:43 Read by Bob Gonzalez
On Dreams 30:21 Read by Martin Geeson
On the Conversation of Authors 38:52 Read by klbonds
On the Same Subject Continued 30:56 Read by klbonds
On Reason and Imagination 32:42 Read by Dave Gauer
On Application to Study 32:59 Read by Nicole Lee
On Londoners and Country People, part 1 20:11 Read by Patrick Wallace
On Londoners and Country People, part 2 16:20 Read by Patrick Wallace
On the Spirit of Obligations 30:31 Read by MaryAnn
On the Old Age of Artists 33:45 Read by Nicole Lee
On Envy (A Dialogue) 37:48 Read by Nicole Lee
On Sitting for One's Picture 27:58 Read by MaryAnn
Whether Genius is Conscious of its Powers 34:40 Read by Availle
On the Pleasure of Hating 34:36 Read by Availle
On Dr. Spurzheim's Theory, part 1 25:27 Read by Stephen Marsh
On Dr. Spurzheim's Theory, part 2 26:46 Read by Stephen Marsh
On Egotism, part 1 20:09 Read by Nicole Lee
On Egotism, part 2 20:07 Read by Nicole Lee
Hot and Cold 33:45 Read by Nicole Lee
The New School of Reform: a Dialogue Between a Rationalist and a Sentimentalist, part 1 26:17 Read by Nicole Lee
The New School of Reform: a Dialogue Between a Rationalist and a Sentimentalist, part 2 29:03 Read by Nicole Lee
On the Qualifications Necessary to Success in Life, part 1 20:04 Read by Mark Mickelson
On the Qualifications Necessary to Success in Life, part 2 25:15 Read by Mark Mickelson
On the Look of a Gentleman 34:19 Read by Sandra Luna
On Reading Old Books 31:12 Read by Sandra Luna
On Personal Character, part 1 17:32 Read by Helen Falconer
On Personal Character, part 2 17:41 Read by Helen Falconer
On People of Sense 34:47 Read by Sandra Luna
On Antiquity 32:23 Read by Nicole Lee
On the Difference Between Writing and Speaking, part 1 22:00 Read by Chieko Steely
On the Difference Between Writing and Speaking, part 2 27:54 Read by Chieko Steely
On a Portrait of an English Lady by Vandyke, part 1 23:38 Read by Nicole Lee
On a Portrait of an English Lady by Vandyke, part 2 35:27 Read by Nicole Lee
On Novelty and Familiarity, part 1 24:32 Read by Anna Simon
On Novelty and Familiarity, part 2 25:48 Read by Anna Simon
On Old English Writers and Speakers, part 1 32:36 Read by Nicole Lee
On Old English Writers and Speakers, part 2 14:52 Read by Nicole Lee
Madame Pasta and Mademoiselle Mars 38:14 Read by MaryA
Sir Walter Scott, Racine and Shakespeare 33:58 Read by Sandra Luna
On Depth and Superficiality, part 1 20:24 Read by Mike Pelton
On Depth and Superficiality, part 2 30:54 Read by Mike Pelton
On Respectable People 18:34 Read by Martin Geeson
On the Jealousy and the Spleen of Party, part 1 18:35 Read by Kalynda
On the Jealousy and the Spleen of Party, part 2 26:20 Read by Kalynda