William Hazlitt 
Liber Amoris, Or, The New Pygmalion 

In William Hazlitt’s ‘Liber Amoris, Or, The New Pygmalion’, the author explores the theme of obsession and unrequited love through a series of intimate and confessional letters. The book is written in a confessional style reminiscent of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s ‘Confessions’, showcasing Hazlitt’s deep personal reflections and emotions. Hazlitt’s intimate writing style and exploration of forbidden love make this work a standout in the Romantic literary context of the early 19th century. William Hazlitt, a prominent essayist and literary critic of the Romantic era, was known for his passionate and often controversial writing style. ‘Liber Amoris’ is thought to have been inspired by Hazlitt’s own unrequited love for a young woman, adding an autobiographical element to the work. Hazlitt’s personal experiences and deep emotional insights drive the narrative of the book, making it a compelling read for those interested in the intersection of literature and personal experience. I recommend ‘Liber Amoris, Or, The New Pygmalion’ to readers who appreciate introspective and confessional writing, as well as those interested in the Romantic literature of the 19th century. Hazlitt’s exploration of obsessive love and the human psyche makes this book a fascinating and engaging read for anyone looking for a deeper understanding of the complexities of human emotion.