Reviews for Plain Speaker

The average rating for Plain Speaker based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2019-11-06 00:00:00 Scotty McDonald The Plain Speaker is probably an excellent read for someone pursuing an intensive study of society and politics in the early 19th century, but it is not really suitable for the lay reader. For such a renowned essayist, Hazlitt seems to have relatively little to say that is relevant to the modern world. Much of the book is spent discussing specific artists, actors, writers, poets and politicians of the day. However, his more relevant insights are interesting and sound. To the modern reader, Hazlitt's prose seems excessively verbose and florid. It is very disconcerting to see him criticise others for those exact tendencies in their own writing! It is likewise disconcerting to see him criticise people for being opinionated, self-righteous and judgemental of their peers when he himself appears to make his living by pointing out other people's flaws (and by chastising many named public figures). It is true that his use of literary language is remarkable. However, he seldom backs up his arguments with clear, undeniable evidence. He attempts to convince the readers of his opinions simply by stating each opinion twenty different times in twenty different ways. This does not seem, to me, to be good essay-writing. It is a pity, because I think that most of his opinions are good, and could be presented forcefully if written more succinctly, or with a touch of humour. Finally, Hazlitt seems incapable of writing upon any subject without referring to at least three of the following: Edmund Burke, Walter Scott, Raphael, Titian, Shakespeare - whether they are relevant or not. It is as though he had made a bet as to how many times he could mention them! This becomes tedious very quickly.

Review # 2 was written on 2019-03-22 00:00:00 Rachel Cresswell So much food for thought in these essays! Covering topics from the comfort of hating to the prose style of poets (it isn't typically good), to sitting for one's portrait. I love hearing this intelligent, eloquent man's thoughts. It seems he's able to shed light, humour, and practicality on almost any subject.