The Confessions of a Collector

by William Carew Hazlitt

"The Confessions of a Collector" by William Carew Hazlitt is a personal narrative and exploration of bibliophilia written in the late 19th century. The author delves into his origins and the development of his passion for collecting books and other literary artifacts, recounting tales of his family’s history and their influences on his love for literature and collecting. The work is largely autobiographical, focusing on Hazlitt's journey as he moves from a mere admirer of books to a knowledgeable bibliographer and collector. At the start of this memoir, Hazlitt reflects on his family's modest literary background, discussing the influences of his father and uncle on his burgeoning passion for books. He shares anecdotes from his early life, including clandestine acquisitions and the sentimental bonds that developed around books in his household. Initially, he narrates the formative experiences that led him into the world of bibliomania, detailing encounters with antiquarian books and the lessons learned from both financial missteps and successful acquisitions. Through these initial chapters, the reader is introduced to the author's deep affection for literature, setting the stage for a rich exploration of book collecting as a lifelong journey.