I have read little Carlyle but I thought one was supposed to read The French Revolution and I thought he was a genius. I heard Hugh Trevor-Roper say he was a proto-fascist.
Jane was not faultless in the marriage. Both were people who probably should not have married. I forget who said it, but there is that rather cruel remark, something to the effect that it was good that TC and JWC were married to each other, so that only 2 people, not 4, were made miserable. The marriage aside, TC was a great man, and a strong case can be made that he is the greatest English-language virtuoso who has ever lived.
I have read little Carlyle but I thought one was supposed to read The French Revolution and I thought he was a genius. I heard Hugh Trevor-Roper say he was a proto-fascist.
I am convinced of his genius, yes---he had some very ugly views at the end, but his early work is important. Try the hero lectures.
This is just brilliant. Absolutely amazing writing.
Thanks for reminding me of that one, as I'd been meaning to get it.
Jane was not faultless in the marriage. Both were people who probably should not have married. I forget who said it, but there is that rather cruel remark, something to the effect that it was good that TC and JWC were married to each other, so that only 2 people, not 4, were made miserable. The marriage aside, TC was a great man, and a strong case can be made that he is the greatest English-language virtuoso who has ever lived.
Have you read Parallel Lives by Phyllis Rose? You would enjoy it