Thomas Carlyle

Scottish essayist, historian and philosopher (1795–1881)

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About

Thomas Carlyle, born in Ecclefechan, Scotland, was a leading Victorian-era writer and historian. From a modest family, he studied at the University of Edinburgh without graduating. Self-taught in German, he became a key interpreter of German Romanticism, translating Goethe and writing a biography of Schiller. His major work, Sartor Resartus, blends spiritual autobiography with social satire. With The French Revolution, he achieved great success. He developed his 'Great Man' theory in On Heroes. Founder of the London Library, he also helped establish the National Portrait Gallery. He served as Rector of the University of Edinburgh and declined a baronetcy.

* 1795-12-04 — † 1881-02-05

Major works

  • Sartor Resartus (1836)novel
  • The French Revolution: A History (1837)history
  • On Heroes, Hero-Worship and the Heroic in History (1841)essay
  • Past and Present (1843)essay
  • History of Frederick the Great (1865)biography

Key milestones

  • 1834Moves to London, to Cheyne Row, Chelsea.
  • 1841Founds the London Library.
  • 1865Elected Lord Rector of the University of Edinburgh.

Themes

Great Man theorySocial criticismGerman RomanticismSpiritualityHistory

Sources: britannica.com · ed.ac.uk · londonlibrary.co.uk