Thomas Carlyle

NAME Thomas Carlyle

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Thomas Carlyle is renowned for his work as a Scottish historian, essayist, and philosopher, particularly known for his works Sartor Resartus and The French Revolution: A History.

BIRTH Thomas Carlyle was born on December 4, 1795, in Ecclefechan, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Carlyle was born to James Carlyle, a stonemason and later a farmer, and Margaret Aitken. His family was of humble, working-class origins, with strong Calvinist beliefs.

CHILDHOOD Carlyle's childhood was marked by a strict, religious upbringing. He displayed an early aptitude for learning, especially in languages and mathematics.

He was the eldest of nine children and developed a strong sense of duty and responsibility from a young age. 

EDUCATION Carlyle attended Annan Academy before enrolling at the University of Edinburgh, at the age of 14, where he studied mathematics with John Leslie, science with John Playfair and moral philosophy with Thomas Brown. He excelled in mathematics, even inventing the Carlyle circle. Initially, Carlyle prepared to become a minister in the Burgher Church while working as a schoolmaster

CAREER RECORD After initially considering the ministry, Carlyle began his career as a mathematics teacher and journalism. He gained recognition as a translator of German literature and later established himself as a historian and essayist.

Carlyle promoted the notion of the Victorian or Protestant work ethic. He wrote: "Man was created to work, not to speculate, or feel or dream… Every idle moment is treason."

APPEARANCE Tall and lean, his appearance was often described as austere somewhat intimidating and disheveled appearance. He had a prominent forehead, bushy eyebrows, and a piercing gaze.

Thomas Carlyle portrait c. 1865

Queen Victoria described him speaking in a "drawling melancholy voice, with a broad Scotch accent,"

FASHION Carlyle preferred practical and straightforward clothing, such as simple suits and heavy overcoats, reflecting his no-nonsense personality. He was often seen in loose-fitting, informal attire, reflecting his disdain for societal norms.

CHARACTER Carlyle was a complex character known for his intense intellect, deep moral convictions, and often abrasive personality. He was a critical observer of society and a vocal critic of materialism.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Carlyle had a dry and often caustic sense of humor. His wit was sharp, and he frequently used it to underscore his criticisms of contemporary society.

RELATIONSHIPS Carlyle married Jane Welsh, an attractive, and somewhat temperamental daughter of a well-to-do doctor on October 17, 1826. A brilliant and witty woman, Jane's intellectual partnership was crucial to his career. Their marriage, while intellectually stimulating, was also famously tumultuous and marked by frequent arguments and misunderstandings.

Jane Baillie Carlyle (née Welsh), by Samuel Laurence

MONEY AND FAME Despite his literary success, Carlyle struggled with financial difficulties for much of his life. However, his reputation as a leading intellectual eventually brought him wealth and fame. 

FOOD AND DRINK Carlyle had simple tastes in food and drink, often preferring traditional Scottish fare. He was known to be frugal and avoided excess and was a moderate drinker..

MUSIC AND ARTS While not a musician himself, Carlyle appreciated classical music and had a deep respect for the arts, often reflecting on their importance in his writings. He was particularly fond of German music and literature.

LITERATURE Carlyle was a voracious reader and a prolific writer. His works contributed significantly to Victorian literature, and he was a contemporary of other literary figures such as Charles Dickens and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Thomas Carlyle stumbled into the limelight by introducing German literature to English readers who had never heard of it. He did this through his translations, his biography Life of Friedrich Schiller in 1825, and a series of review essays for various journals. His first significant work, however, was a novel called Sartor Resartus, published in 1833-34. After moving to London, Carlyle hit the big time with The French Revolution in 1837, which was so well received that his earlier essays were quickly bundled together and republished as Miscellanies.

Following this, Carlyle was on a roll. He churned out a series of influential works, each met with great acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. These included On Heroes in 1841, Past and Present in 1843, Cromwell's Letters in 1845, Latter-Day Pamphlets in 1850, and the expansive History of Frederick the Great from 1858 to 1865. Carlyle's reputation soared, cementing his place as a major intellectual force in Europe and North America.

A particularly harrowing incident occurred when his friend John Stuart Mill's maid mistakenly burned the only manuscript of Carlyle's History of the French Revolution, a work that had taken five months to complete.

NATURE Carlyle had a profound appreciation for nature, often drawing inspiration from the natural world for his philosophical reflections.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Carlyle enjoyed walking and spending time outdoors. He also took pleasure in reading and engaging in intellectual debates.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Carlyle had a solid foundation in mathematics from his early education and maintained an interest in the scientific advancements of his time.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Carlyle was raised in a deeply religious household, who adhered to the strict Calvinist principles of the Scottish Presbyterian Church.

Carlyle's work is steeped in philosophical and theological inquiry. He was influenced by German idealism and Scottish Calvinism, and he often explored themes of heroism, destiny, and the divine in human affairs.

POLITICS Carlyle was a social critic with strong views on the industrial revolution, democracy, and leadership. He advocated for strong, heroic leadership and was critical of what he saw as the weaknesses of democratic systems.

SCANDAL Carlyle's life was relatively free of scandal, though his marriage with Jane Welsh Carlyle was publicly known to be strained, leading to much speculation and gossip.

MILITARY RECORD Carlyle e wrote extensively on military leaders and historical conflicts, particularly in his work The French Revolution.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Carlyle suffered from various health issues throughout his life, including chronic dyspepsia and insomnia, which often affected his mood and productivity.

HOMES Carlyle lived in several places throughout his life, including his famous residence at 5 Cheyne Row, Chelsea, London, which which became a literary and intellectual hub. It is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.

5 Cheyne Row, By Spudgun67 Wikipedia

TRAVEL Carlyle traveled within the British Isles and to the European continent. His travels to Germany were particularly influential, as they exposed him to German literature and philosophy.

DEATH Thomas Carlyle died on February 5, 1881, at the age of 85 in London. He was buried in Ecclefechan, his birthplace.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Thomas Carlyle has appeared in various forms of media over the years, reflecting his enduring influence on literature, history, and philosophy.

Numerous biographies have been written about Carlyle, detailing his life, work, and influence. They  include:

Thomas Carlyle: A Biography by James Anthony Froude, which provides an in-depth look at Carlyle's life and work.

Carlyle by John Nichol, part of the English Men of Letters series.

Carlyle has been depicted in various television dramas and films that focus on the Victorian era and its literary figures. For instance, his character has appeared in dramatizations of the lives of other famous figures of his time, such as Charles Dickens and Ralph Waldo Emerson. These portrayals often highlight his intellectual presence and his sometimes abrasive personality.

Carlyle is frequently referenced in literary works by other authors. His ideas and style influenced a wide range of writers, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, who corresponded with Carlyle and acknowledged his influence on American Transcendentalism. Additionally, Carlyle's concepts of heroism and leadership have permeated many literary and philosophical discussions.

ACHIEVEMENTS Carlyle's achievements include his profound influence on Victorian literature and thought, his extensive body of written work, and his role as a public intellectual. His historical and philosophical analyses continue to be studied and respected.