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Thomas CarlyleEnglish publicist, historian and philosopher
Date of Birth: 04.12.1795
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Biography of Thomas Carlyle
Thomas Carlyle was an English journalist, historian, and philosopher, known for his unique perspective on literature, history, and politics. He was born into a simple peasant family and was intended by his strict Calvinist parents to pursue a career in the ministry. At the age of 14, Carlyle enrolled in the University of Edinburgh, where he completed his studies.
Early Career
After graduating from university, Carlyle initially worked as a mathematics teacher in the countryside, but soon returned to Edinburgh. He lived on occasional literary earnings and dedicated himself to studying law in preparation for a career as a lawyer. However, he soon abandoned this path and became captivated by German literature.
Notable Works
Carlyle's translation of Goethe's "Wilhelm Meister" in 1824 and "The Life of Schiller" in 1825 were his first major works. He followed these with critical analyses and translations of works by Jean Paul, Hoffmann, Tika, Fouqué, and others. His characterizations of Boris and Voltaire were published in the liberal "Edinburgh Review." In the early 1830s, Carlyle's first article of a more general nature, "Signs of the Times," appeared in the same journal, deviating from its liberal tone.
His next work, "Teufelsdröckh," later developed into the book "Sartor Resartus," as well as the "History of German Literature," were rejected by publishers because Carlyle's direction did not align with the spirit of the time. "Sartor Resartus" was published in the United States before it appeared in Great Britain. His "History of the French Revolution" (1837), "Chartism" (1839), his lectures on heroes and hero-worship (1841), and his historical and philosophical reflections in "Past and Present" (1843) all displayed the same originality.
Philosophical Views
Carlyle did not align with any of the established political parties and felt isolated. He contemplated publishing his own journal to promote his "believing radicalism." All of Carlyle's works aimed to reduce the progress of humanity to the lives of exceptional heroes and advocated a civilization based solely on moral duty. His political program focused on the preaching of labor, moral sentiment, and faith. His exaggerated evaluation of heroism in history and distrust of institutions and knowledge led him to a formal worship of bygone times, which he believed were more favorable to heroic individuals.
Latter Days
In his "Latter-day Pamphlets" (1858), Carlyle's views shone brighter than ever. He ridiculed the emancipation of slaves, democracy, philanthropy, political and economic doctrines, and more. Not only did his previous adversaries condemn him for these pamphlets, but many of his admirers also ceased to understand him.
Legacy
Among all of Carlyle's works, his "Letters and Speeches of Oliver Cromwell" (1845-46), with its comments, holds the greatest historical significance. The latter is not entirely impartial toward the "hero," Cromwell. Carlyle's most extensive work, the "History of Frederick II" (1858-65), compelled him to undertake a journey to Germany. While possessing many brilliant qualities, it suffers from excessive length.
Carlyle's other notable works include "Historical and Critical Essays" in 1847 (a collection of journal articles) and a biography of his youth friend, poet Sterling, in 1851. From 1868 to 1870, he worked on the publication of a complete collection of his writings, known as the "Library Edition" in 34 volumes. This was followed by the inexpensive "People's Edition" the following year, which was reprinted multiple times. He also published a series of essays titled "Early Kings of Norway" in 1875.
In 1866, Carlyle was offered the honorary position of Rector at the University of Edinburgh. Apart from this position, he never held any official roles and spent his entire life as a writer. During the Franco-Prussian War, he sided with Prussia and vehemently defended its cause in his letters to "The Times," which were also published separately in 1871. Carlyle passed away in 1881.
