Duncan Wu's book "William Hazlitt: The First Modern Man" explores the profound impact Hazlitt had on various forms of writing. He elevated political sketch-writing, turning it into a more engaging and insightful genre that provided commentary on the political landscape of his time. His innovative style set a precedent for future writers, influencing how politics was discussed in literature.
In addition to political commentary, Hazlitt is credited with inventing modern sports commentary, shaping how sporting events are reported and discussed in media today. His contributions extended to the essay format, which has been adopted by noted figures such as Clive James, Gore Vidal, and Michael Foot, highlighting Hazlitt's legacy as a pioneer in modern writing and thought.