Selected Writings

This collection features a selection of Thomas Carlyle's most significant writings, showcasing his impact on Victorian literature and thought.

Born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, in 1795, Thomas Carlyle was profoundly influenced by the Scottish Enlightenment during his time at the University of Edinburgh. Initially intended to become a Presbyterian minister, he chose a different path and became a teacher. In the 1820s, he began publishing significant works, including a biography of Schiller and translations of Goethe. This collection, Selected Writings, showcases a range of his influential writings throughout his career.

Carlyle was a complex figure of the Victorian era, characterized by his passionate and often irascible nature. His writings reflect a deep skepticism of the mechanization of society and the rise of industrialism. The selection in Selected Writings includes pivotal essays such as 'Signs of the Times,' which critiques the dehumanizing effects of machines, as well as the entirety of 'Chartism.' Additionally, it features extracts from some of his most important works, including The French Revolution, Heroes and Hero-Worship, and Sartor Resartus.

The collection is thoughtfully introduced and annotated by Alan Shelston, who provides context and insight into Carlyle’s life and the significance of his work. This compilation not only highlights the evolution of Carlyle’s thought but also serves as a window into the broader social and political issues of his time, making Selected Writings an essential read for anyone interested in Victorian literature and philosophy.