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Thomas Carlyle

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: Blackwoods Magazine

They that cultivate literary small-talk have been greatly attracted for some / time by the late number of Blackwoods (formerly the Edinr) Magazine. It contains many slanderous insinuations against the Publisher's rivals - particularly a paper entitled 'translation of a Chaldee manuscript'...

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

various : [histories]

'After an arduous str[uggle] with sundry historians of grea[t and] small renown I sit down to answer the much-valued epistle of my friend. Doubtless you are disposed to grumble that I have been so long in doing so; but I have an argument in store for you.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: BookManuscript: Letter

William Wallace : 'Fluxions' in Encyclopedia Britannica

It is long since I told you that I had begun Wallace, and that foreign studies had cast him into the shade. The same causes still obstruct my progress You will perhaps be surprised that I am even now no farther advanced than the 'circle of curvature'. I have found his demonstrations circuitous but generally rigorous.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

David Hume : History of England

I suppose I had read Hume's England when I wrote last; and I need not repeat my opinion of it.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Tobias Smollett : History of England

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Edward Gibbon : Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire

I suppose I had read Hume's England when I wrote last; and I need not repeat my opinion of it. My perusal of the continuation - eight volumes, of history as it is called, by Tobias Smollett MD and others was a much harder and more unprofitable task. Next I read Gibbon's decline and fall of the Roman empire - a work of immense research and splendid execution.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

David Hume : Essays and Treatises on Several Subjects, 2 vols

But too much of one thing - as it is in the adage. Therefore I reserve the account of Hume's essays till another opportunity. At any rate the Second volume is not finished yet - and I do not like what I have read of any thing so well as I did the first.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Simon-Pierre Laplace : Exposition du systeme du monde

'I have done little since I wrote last but revised Leslie's conics, and read a part of Laplace's 'exposition du systeme du monde' not the mecanique celeste for I alas, am not one of the gifted half-dozen that can understand it - but the original of that book which Smeal once brought from Selkirk and lent to you.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Simon-Pierre Laplace : Exposition du systeme du monde

'I had read some little of Laplace when I saw you; & I continue to advance with a diminishing velocity. I turned aside into Leslie's conics - '

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Sir John Leslie : Elements of Geometry, Geometrical Analysis, and Plane Trigonometry

'I had read some little of Laplace when I saw you; & I continue to advance with a diminishing velocity. I turned aside into Leslie's conics - & went thro' it, in search of two propositions, which when in your geometrical vein, you will find little difficulty in demonstrating'.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Charles Bossut : Mecanique

'I likewise turned into Charles Bossut's Mecanique - to study his demonstration of pendulums, and his doctrine of forces. The text is often tediously explanatory - & in the notes, it is but a dim hallucination of the truth that I can obtain thro' the medium of integrals & differentials by which he communicates it.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Thomas Moore : Lalla Rookh

'Moore's Lallah Rookh & Byron's Childe Harold canto fourth formed an odd mixture with these speculations. It was foolish, you may think, to exchange the truths of philosophy, for the airy nothings of these sweet singers: but I could not help it. Do not fear that I will spend some time in criticising the tulip-cheek.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

George Gordon Lord Byron : Childe Harold (Canto IV)

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Dr Chalmers : Title unknown

This is emphatic enough.- I need not speak of Dr Chalmers' boisterous treatise upon the causes & cure of pauperism in the last Edinr review. His reasoning (so they call it) is disjointed and absurd - & his language a barbarous jargon - agre[e]able neither to Gods nor men.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Dugald Stewart : Philosophy of the Human Mind

'27th June - The last book worth mentioning, which I perused was Stewart's preliminary dissertation - for the second time. The longer I study the works of this philosopher, the more I become convinced of two things. First, that in perspicacity & comprehensiveness of understanding he yields to several. But, secondly, that in taste, variety of acquirements, and, what is of more importance, in moral dignity of mind, he has no rival that I know of.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

William Roscoe : Life of Lorenzo Di Medici, 2 vols

'You will readily believe that I have not read much since I wrote to you. Roscoe's life of Lorenzo di'Medici - a work concerning which I shall only observe, in the words of the Auctioneer that it is "well worth any gentleman's perusal" - is the only thing almost that I recollect aught abo[ut.]'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Horace Benedict Saussure : Voyage dans les Alpes

'I have no enthusiasm-cui bono? I always ask myself. It would be irksome, & impossible, in this state of my sheet, to criticise the elegant and ingenious rather than powerful or philosophical narrative which Horace Benedict Saussure gives of his journeys in the Alps. I am in the third quarto-'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Jean Baptiste Biot : Traite de Physique

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Anne Louise Germaine de Sta?l-Holstein : 'Considerations on the French Revolution'

'There is also Madame de Stael on the French revolution - first volume only finished - remarks (if any) in the next letter.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Robert Jameson : Unknown

'With regard to reading, you would think I have enough of time upon my hands at present: yet the truth is, I have often read more, almost never studied less!... There is Jameson with his most crude theories - his orders Mammalia, Digitala & fencibles of gli[illegible]rac & bruta with [chi[sel]-shaped foreteeth && grieves me every day.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Anne Louise Germaine de Sta?l-Holstein : Considerations Sur La Revolution Francaise

'In conformity with ancient custom, I ought now to transmit you some account of my studies- But I have too much conscience to dilate upon this subject. Besides, it is not so easy to criticise the brilliant work of Madame de Stael-considerations sur quelques evenemen[t]s de la revolution - as to tell you, what I learnt from a small Genevese attending Jameson's class, that she was very ugly and very immoral- yet had fine eyes, and was very kind to the poor people of Coppet & the environs.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Horace Benedict Saussure : Voyages dans les Alpes

'In conformity with ancient custom, I ought now to transmit you some account of my studies- But I have too much conscience to dilate upon this subject... On the same authority [a small Genevese], I inform you that Horace Benedict Saussure (whose beautiful voyages I have not yet finished) died 20 years ago; but Theodore, his son, is still living.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Jean Sylvain Bailly : Memoires D'un Temoin De La Revolution

'I read Bailly's memoires d'un temoin de la revolution, with little comfort. The book is not ill-written: but it grieved me to see the august historian of astronomy, the intimate of Kepler, Gallileo & Newton- "thrown into tumult, raptur'd or alarm'd," at the approbation or the blame of Parisian tradesmen - not to speak of the "pouvres ouvriers" [poor workers], as he fondly names the dogs, du faubourg St Antoine.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Baron Jacob Berzelius : Examination of some compounds which depend upon very weak affinities

'The Dr [Brewster] stopped to tell me that he had got a paper on Chemistry written (in French) by Berzelius, professor of that science in Stockholm - which was to be published in April:- would I translate it? I answered in the affirmative; and next day went over to get the paper in question. It consists of six long sheets, written in a cramp hand, & in a very diffuse [s]tile. I have it more than half done. The labour of writing it down is the principal one. In other respects there is no difficulty.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Sheet

Baron Jacob Berzelius : Examination of some compounds which depend upon very weak affinities

'With respect to my occupations at this period; they are not of the most important nature. Berzelius' paper is printed - I was this day correcting the proof-sheet-. The translation looks not very ill in print. I wish I had plenty more of a similar [sor]t to translate and good pay for doing it.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Proof-sheet

August Friedrich Ferdinand von Kotzebue : Unknown

'At present, I am reading a stupid play of Kotzebue's - but to-night I am to have the history of Frederick the Great from Irving. I will make an affu' struggle to read a good deal of it & of the Italian in Summer - when at home.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

: Book of Job

'I am rather afraid that I have not been quite regular in reading that best of books which you recommended to me. However last night I was reading upon my favourite Job; and I hope to do better in time to come. I entreat you to believe that I am sincerely desirous of being a good man; and tho' we may differ in some few unimportant particulars: yet I firmly trust that the same Power who created us with imperfect faculties, will pardon the errors of every one (and none are without them) who seeks truth and righteousness, with a simple heart.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: BookManuscript: Letter

Jean le Rond D'Alembert : Unknown

'You are not to think that I am fretful. I have long accustomed my mind to look upon the future with a sedate aspect; and at any rate, my hopes have never yet failed me. A French Author (D'Alembert, one of the few persons who deserve the honourable epithet of honest man) whom I was lately reading, remarks that one who devotes his life to learning ought to carry for his motto-Liberty, Truth, Poverty; for her that fears the latter can never have the former.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Unknown

Joseph Planta : History of the Helvetic Confederacy

'You have to answer for the sin of keeping me almost two hours from "Planta's history of the Helvetic confederacy" - which is a small [/] sin it must be owned, the said Planta being (under favour) little better than a conceited dolt, and his "history" a Gazette in 1000 pages - of quarto letter-press- '

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock : Messiah

'It is the rainy evening of a dull day which I have spent in reading a little of Klopstock's Messiah (for the man Jardine, who broke his engagement); and in looking over the inflated work of 'Squire Bristed on "America and her resources". "Vivacity", therefore, on my part, is quite out of the question-'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

John Bristed : America and her Resources

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Jean-Jacques Rousseau : Confessions

'I have done, as usual, almost nothing since we parted- Some one asked me with a smile, of which I knew not the meaning, if I would read that book, putting into my hands a volume of Rousseau's confessions. It is perhaps the most remarkable tome, I ever read. Except for its occassional obscenity, I might wish to see the remainder of the book: to try if possible to connect the character of Jean Jacques with my previous ideas of human nature.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Lady Sidney Owenson Morgan : France

'I know not if there be a Goddess of Sloth - tho' considering that this of all our passions is the least turbulent and most victorious, it could not without partiality be left destitute - But if there be, she certainly looks on with an approving smile - when in a supine posture, I lie for hours with my eyes fixed upon the pages of Lady Morgan's France or the travels of Faujas St Fond - my mind seldon taking the pains even to execrate the imbecile materialism, the tawdry gossiping of the former, or to pity the infirm speculations and the already antiquated mineralogy of the latter.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Barthelemy Faujais de Saint-Frond : Voyage en Angleterre, en Ecosse et aux Iles Hebrides...

'I know not if there be a Goddess of Sloth - tho' considering that this of all our passions is the least turbulent and most victorious, it could not without partiality be left destitute - But if there be, she certainly looks on with an approving smile - when in a supine posture, I lie for hours with my eyes fixed upon the pages of Lady Morgan's France or the travels of Faujas St Fond - my mind seldom taking the pains even to execrate the imbecile materialism, the tawdry gossipping of the former, or to pity the infirm speculations and the already antiquated mineralogy of the latter.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Lady Sidney Morgan : Roderick, the Last of the Goths

'I know not if there be a Goddess of Sloth - tho' considering that this of all our passions is the least turbulent and most victorious, it could not without partiality be left destitute - But if there be, she certainly looks on with an approving smile - when in a supine posture, I lie for hours with my eyes fixed upon the pages of Lady Morgan's France or the travels of Faujas St Fond ... What shall I say to the woebegone Roderick last of the Goths; and others of a similar stamp? They go through my brain as light goes thro' an achromatic telescope.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Abbe Raynal : Philosophical and Political History of the Settlements and Trade of the Europeans in the East and West Indies, A

'Above a month ago, I found Raynal's history of the E. and W. Indies, in a farmer's house of this neighbourhood. It were long to tell you fully my opinion of the work, which (according to Gibbon) the author, by a happy audacity, names philosophical as well as political. The abbe's researches embrace almost the whole habitable globe; his narrative, too much chequered by boisterous speculations, is generally conducted in a distinct, easy manner...'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Eliza Draper : Inscription to Raynal's 'History of the E. and W. Indies'

'Above a month ago, I found Raynal's history of the E. and W. Indies, in a farmer's house of this neighbourhood. It were long to tell you fully my opinion of the work, which (according to Gibbon) the author, by a happy audacity, names philosophical as well as political... Opposite the title-page, beneath the picture of a sullen, thoughtful countenance, Sterne's Eliza Draper has written: William Thomas Raynal, defender of truth, humanity and liberty. An enlightened admirer of those sacred qualities...'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Various : Edinburgh Review

'After an interval of 5 hours, spent in reading the Edinr Review and excecuting various commissions, I resume my lucubrations. the unhappy carrier is not come.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

John Millar : Historical View of the English Government, An

'Without reluctance, I push aside the massy quarto of Millar on the English government, to perform ther more pelasing duty of writing a few lines to you, by the conveyance of Mr Duncan.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

John Millar : Historical View of the English Government, An

'I have read Millar on the English government &c-'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Alexander Carlyle : Letter (date unknown)

'I was truly sorry and at the same time tickled to observe the abrupt conclusion of your letter. The thunder of Jack's snoring is not unknown to me; but poor fellow! you would pity his cold and rejoice that he could sleep at all.' [A large number of Carlyle's reading experiences were letters. We have not included them all, but this is included as a sample of the type of response].

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter

Professor Hansteen : Inquiries Concerning the Magnetism of the Earth

'A review for Brewster's philosophical journal of a German book on Magnetism, I must also write or say I cannot - the former alternative is better: and then (as our man of Law concludes in a few days) I am my own master to go whithersoever I list.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: BookManuscript: Letter

Jeffrey : Article IX

'I consign you therefore if desirous of additional information, to two well-written articles by Jeffrey in the last "Edinr reviews" - and if you honour the maxim, audi alteram partem [hear the other side], to sundry delicious speculations from the pen of Mr Southey, wherein these points are handled at considerable length in the "Quarterly review".'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Jeffrey : Article X

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Robert Southey : Article ix

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Robert Southey : Article iv

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Friedrich Mohs : Crystalography

'Nothing material has occurred to me since I returned from Mainhill. I wrote the first half of "Hunsteen" and translated, from the German, the first half of "Mohs";'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Jean-Jacques Rousseau : Du Contrat Social

'Except a brief visit to Ruthwell, I have scarcely been from home since my arrival - my excursions in the world of literature have scarcely been wider. Rousseau's "Contrat Social" - in spite of the frightful notoriety which circumstances gave it - seems little calculated for a remote posterity.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe : Faust

'Except a brief visit to Ruthwell, I have scarcely been from home since my arrival - my excursions in the world of literature have scarcely been wider... With respect to Goethe's "Faust" - if I were at your side you should hear of nothing else for many hours; and sorry am I that your brows will suddenly contract - if I give free scope to my notions even by this imperfect vehicle.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Leigh Hunt : The Examiner

'I see no paper but an old Examiner - strong meat - an Olla Podrida, high-flavoured but coarse and na[u]seous to a sentimentalist.'

Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Jean Charles Leonard Simonde de Sismondi : unknown history

'Having just concluded the first volume of Sismondi's history, and the other not being yet arrived from Edinr, I think I cannot better employ the hour of leisure, which necessarily intervenes between the end of this and the beginning of a fresh employment, than in returning you my thanks for the kind and good-humoured letter which I received last Saturday.'

Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Ludovico Ariosto : Orlando Furioso

'I think of putting this letter in the post-office to night. My hour's since morning have been spent in reading Ariosto and "Six weeks at Longs." The latter end of this day will thus be better than the beginning.'

Unknown

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle

Eaton Stannard Barrett : Six Weeks at Long's

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Friedrich Schiller : Geschichte des dreissigj?hrigen Kriegs

'I have translated a portion of Schiller's History of the thirty years war (it is all about Gustavus and the fellow-soldados of Dugald Dalgetty your dearly-beloved friend); and sent it off, with a letter introduced by Tait the Review-bookseller, to Longman and Co London.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

John Scott : 'Blackwood's Magazine' [ARTICLE TITLE] in 'The London Magazine'

'Last night, I was listening to music and the voice of song amid dandy clerks and sparkling females - laughing at times even to soreness at the marvellous Dr John Scott (see Blackwood's Magazine); and to-night, I am alone in this cold city - alone to cut my way into the heart of its benefices by the weapons of my own small quiver.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Jean Aubuisson : Traite de geognoise

'There is a project on foot about translating one D'Aubuisson [a] Frenchman's geology - a large book, for the first edition I am to have 60 guineas - the same sum for every succeeding edition. Brewster was very diligent in forwarding it; and tho' I neither like the book or the terms excessively, I feel much o[blige]d to him for his conduct.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Friedrich Schiller : Wallenstein

'The colossal "Wallenstein" and Thekla the angelical, and Max her impetuous lofty-minded lover are all gone to rest; I have closed Schiller for a night; and what can I do better than chat for one short hour with my old, earliest friend?'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Joanna Baillie : Metrical Legends of Exalted Characters

'Waugh (the Review-man) sent me a book the other day, with a wish and an assurance that I "would write a very elegant and spirited critique on it" - which I am not so certain of as the magistrate pretends to be, but shall attempt notwithstanding. It is poetry, by Joanna Baillie, about Wallace and Columbus and patient Griseld, and so forth. I am to begin forthwith; should have begun indeed already, but Schiller and others stand in the way.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Anne Louise Germaine de Sta?l-Holstein : De l'Allemagne

'Those latter volumes of the Allemagne will perplex you, I fear. The third in particular is very mysterious; now and then quite absurd. Do not mind it much.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Thomas Carlyle : Life of Pascal

'Tell David Fergusson that I am charmed with his manuscript [a handwritten copy of Carlyle's "Life of Pascal"]; it is the prettiest [that] ever was written for the Encyclopaedia, and perfectly correct.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Sheet, Handwritten copy of Carlyle's own text

unknown : ["black-letter poems"]

'I had also to go this morning and read some old black-letter poems in the Advocates' Library: and the stomach, like a true British subject, is rebelling not a little against all these infringements of its rights and privileges.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Charles Bossut : Essai sur l'histoire generale des mathematiques

'It is very likely that I may send you some Mathematical thing or other, seeing I have got Bossut's history of mathematics, at this time, where perhaps there may be something new to you'.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

John Leyden : 'Shout, Britons, for the Battle of Asaye'

[Carlyle transcribes a poem by John Leyden he has read in Hogg's 'Spy' and sends it to Robert Mitchell] 'Well, if I am not much deceived you will thank me, for transcribing you the following poem of his, composed on (Wellington, then) Wellesl[e]y's victory at Assaye, while Leyden was in India. -I met with it in "the Spy" a kind of periodical thing published the other year in Edinr.' Shout, Britons, for the battle of Assaye; For that was a day, When we stood in our array, Like the Lion's might at bay; And our battle-word was CONQUER OR DIE Rouse, rouse the cruel leopard from his lair, With his yell the mountain rings; And his red eye round he flings, As arrow-like he springs, And spreads his clutching paw to rend and tear. Then first array'd in battle front we saw, Far as the eye could glance, The Mahratta banners dance, O'er the desolate expanse And their standard was the leopard of Malwa. But when we first encounter'd man to m[an] Such odds came never on, Against Greece or Macedon, When they shook the Persian throne, Mid the old barbaric pomp of Ispahan. No number'd might of living could tam[e] Our gallant band that broke Through the bursting clouds of smoke, When the vollied thunder spoke From a thousand mouldering mouths of lurid fla[me] Hail, Wellesl[e]y who led the mortal fray Amid the locust swarm, Dark fate was in thy arm; And thy shadow shall alarm The Mahratta at thy name, from this day. Ah! Mark these British corses on the plain, Each vanish'd like a star, 'Mid the dreadful ranks of war, While the women stood afar, And gaz'd in silent terror at the slain. Shout, Britons, for the battle of Assaye; Ye who perish'd in your prime, Your hallow'd names sublime, Shall live to ceaseless time; Your heroic worth and fame shall never die. Can any thing be grander? - what fire! what energy! -if there is any thing in existence that surpasses this, it must be Hoenli[nden]?but what is like Hoenlinden? -Tell me in your next, what you think of this piece - Is not, think you, "From a thousand mouldering mouths of lurid flame" misprinted somehow? would "smouldering" do any better?'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

William Shakespeare : [Works]

'Have you read Shakespear? If you have not, then I desire you, read it directly, and tell me what you think of him -which is his masterpiece. He is always excellent'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical, Unknown

Thomas Murray : [critique of William Nicholson's works in 'The Courier']

'I noticed, with pleasure, the insertion of your "Critique": but was very much mortified, - at seeing the pitiful conclusion which the Editor had foisted in,- in addition to the error in the signature. 'Tis a matter of no consequence - only it [italics]ruffles[end italics] in the mean-time. Our Bard has at length compelled them to print his poetry - and prose too, for, was not that same [italics]Blattum-Bulgium[end italics] disquisition his? And had not he a letter last week "on Burns"? - What a flo[w] of language - what a strength of epithet he pos[s]esses!'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

W. Scott Irving : [poem celebrating peace at end of Napoleonic wars]

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

W. Scott Irving : [essays on Burns and monuments]

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Maclaurin : [writings quoted in a letter from Thomas Murray to Carlyle]

'I was greatly diverted by your specimen of Mr. Maclaurin's prose-run-mad. He seems to have imbibed, in the full sense of the word, the melody of his native mountains; - and who can doubt, that, in a short time he will chaunt right pleasantly, with Celtic sweetness the praises and perfections of this [underscored twice]lamb of his heart[end underscoring]!'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter

Laurence Sterne : Tristram Shandy

'Once, for instance, I recollect that to fill up one of those aweful hiatus in conversation that occur at times in spite of all one's efforts to the contrary - and to entertain Miss M., I took up a Tristram Shandy; and read her one of the very best jokes within the boards of the book - Ah-h-h-h! sighed Miss M. and put on a look of right tend[er] melancholy!! - Now. - Did the smallest glimmering of reason appea[r]? Never.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Thomas Murray : [article entitled 'An Affecting Occurrence']

'A-propos of Authors - This evening at tea, Miss Ramsay (our governess) inquired at me if I had read that affecting representation of the Calamities of Literary men, in the last Courier;- replying in the negative, she handed me the paper: - and judge of my surprise when, looking at the bottom, I recognised the signature of Mr. Murray - You will readily conceive, I read it with additional interest on this account - but allow me to remark (and this is all the Critique I design to pass on it) that it needed no such adventitious circumstance to recommend it. The melancholy truth which it contains, and the elegant sympathysing manner in which it is told, speak for themselves. - In sober sadness, now, did you really see that same melancholy old author, at Merchiston? - or is he not a creature of Mr. Murray's brain? Tell me whether I am right in being inclined to adopt the latter opinion.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Francis Jeffrey : Edinburgh Review

'I have seen the last number of the Edinr review at Mount-annan. I regret, with you, that Jeffrey should bestow so much of his time on Politics; and I rejoice in the prospect [(for] this is one of the advantages of Peace!) that in a short [time] he will not have this in his power. He must be an extra-ordinary man. No subject however hackneyed, but he has the art of extracting some new thought out of it. The introduction to the Critiq[ue] on Byron is in my opinion admirable?so acute so philosophical: - None but a man of keen penetration, and deep research could have written such a thing - Even the present state of Europe is interesting in his hands.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Sophie Cottin : Elisabeth, ou les exiles de Siberie

'What are you reading? I am waiting for an account of "Waverl[e]y" from you. - The principal part of my reading in addition to Mathematics &c has been "the Exiles of Siberia", "Hoole's Tasso['s] Jerusalem", "Oberon" translated from the German by Southeby, "Beatties Minstrel", Savage's poems, Fenelons "lives of ancient Philosophers" and "the Miseries of Human life" 2 vols. If there is any of these that you have not seen - and want my sentiments about - you shall have them in my next'.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

James Beattie : The Minstrel

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Unknown

Christoph Wieland : Oberon. Ein Gedicht in 14 Gesangen

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Unknown

John Hoole : Tasso's Jerusalem Delivered

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Unknown

Richard Savage : [Poems]

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Unknown

Francois Fenelon : Abrege des vies des anciens philosophes

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

James Beresford : Miseries of Human Life

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Robert Mitchell : [a mathematical paper]

'I did not tell you that when I left Edinr for Dumfries, I put your paper in my pocket - and whilst my right worthy compagnons de voyage (for I came in the Mail from Moffat) were sunk in politics, post-horses, farming &c &c. I took out my friend's theorem, and leaving the base clod-hoppers to welter on among drains and dunghills and bullocks and balances of power -I entered Dumfries wholly disengaged from sublunary things; and well nigh perswaded that an angle [underscored twice]might [end underscore] be trisected'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Unknown

George Gordon Lord Byron : [Poems]

'What Books have you been perusing - and how did you like Sha[ke]spea[re]? - Since I saw you I have toil'd thro' many a thick octa[vo] - many of them to little purpose. Byron's and Scott's "Poems" I have read and must admire - tho' you recollect, we used to give Campbell a de[cided] preference - and I still think, with justice. Have you ever seen Hoole's "Tas[so?]" I have among many others read, it, "Leonidas", "The Epigoniad", "Oberon", "Savage[e's] Poems" &.c. Miss Porter's "Scottish Chiefs" and "Waverl[e]y" have been the principal of my Novels - With regard to "Waverl[e]y" I cannot help remarking t[hat] in my opinion it is the best novel that has been published these thirty years. The characters of Ebenezer Cru[i]ckshank[s] mine host of the garter, the Reverend Mr. Gowk - thrapple and Squire Bradwardian display a Cervantic vein of humour which has seldom been surpassed - whilst the descriptions of the gloomy caverns of the Highlands, and the delineations of the apathic Callum Beg and enterprising Vich Ian Vohr show a richness of [italics]Scottean[end italics] colouring which few have equalled. Give me your opinion of it if you have read it; - and if not - endeavour by all means to procure it.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Walter Scott : [Poems]

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Walter Scott : Waverley

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Richard Glover : Leonidas, A Poem

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

William Wilkie : The Epigoniad

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Jane Porter : The Scottish Chiefs, A Romance

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Walter Scott : Waverley

'? I had a sight of ?Waverley? soon after I received your letter, and I cannot help saying that, in my opinion, it is by far the best novel that has been written these thirty years - at least, that I know of. Eben. Cruickshanks, mine host of The Seven Golden Candlesticks, and Mr. Gifted Gilfillan, are described in the spirit of Smollett or Cervantes. Who does not shed a tear for the ardent Vich Ian Vohr, and the unshaken Evan Dhu, when perishing amid the shouts of an English mob, they refuse to swerve from their principles? And who will refuse to pity the marble Callum Beg, when, hushed in the strife of death, he finishes his earthly career on Clifton Moor, far from the blue mountains of the North, without one friend to close his eyes? 'Tis an admirable performance. Is Scott still the reputed author?' Editor's addition: [In this letter Carlyle mentions reading Euler's ?Algebra,? 1 Addison's ?Freeholder,? 2 Cuvier's ?Theory of the Earth,? 3 Moli?re's ?Comedies,? the monthly reviews, critical journals, etc.]

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Leonhard Euler : Elements of Algebra

'? I had a sight of ?Waverley? soon after I received your letter, and I cannot help saying that, in my opinion, it is by far the best novel that has been written these thirty years - at least, that I know of. Eben. Cruickshanks, mine host of The Seven Golden Candlesticks, and Mr. Gifted Gilfillan, are described in the spirit of Smollett or Cervantes. Who does not shed a tear for the ardent Vich Ian Vohr, and the unshaken Evan Dhu, when perishing amid the shouts of an English mob, they refuse to swerve from their principles? And who will refuse to pity the marble Callum Beg, when, hushed in the strife of death, he finishes his earthly career on Clifton Moor, far from the blue mountains of the North, without one friend to close his eyes? 'Tis an admirable performance. Is Scott still the reputed author?' Editor's addition: [In this letter Carlyle mentions reading Euler's ?Algebra,?1 Addison's ?Freeholder,?2 Cuvier's ?Theory of the Earth,?3 Moli?re's ?Comedies,? the monthly reviews, critical journals, etc.]

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Joseph Addison : The Free-holder, I-LV

'? I had a sight of ?Waverley? soon after I received your letter, and I cannot help saying that, in my opinion, it is by far the best novel that has been written these thirty years - at least, that I know of. Eben. Cruickshanks, mine host of The Seven Golden Candlesticks, and Mr. Gifted Gilfillan, are described in the spirit of Smollett or Cervantes. Who does not shed a tear for the ardent Vich Ian Vohr, and the unshaken Evan Dhu, when perishing amid the shouts of an English mob, they refuse to swerve from their principles? And who will refuse to pity the marble Callum Beg, when, hushed in the strife of death, he finishes his earthly career on Clifton Moor, far from the blue mountains of the North, without one friend to close his eyes? 'Tis an admirable performance. Is Scott still the reputed author?' Editor's addition: [In this letter Carlyle mentions reading Euler's ?Algebra,?1 Addison's ?Freeholder,?2 Cuvier's ?Theory of the Earth,?3 Moli?re's ?Comedies,? the monthly reviews, critical journals, etc.]

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Georges Cuvier : 'Discours preliminaire' to Recherches sur les ossemens fossiles des quadrupedes

'? I had a sight of ?Waverley? soon after I received your letter, and I cannot help saying that, in my opinion, it is by far the best novel that has been written these thirty years - at least, that I know of. Eben. Cruickshanks, mine host of The Seven Golden Candlesticks, and Mr. Gifted Gilfillan, are described in the spirit of Smollett or Cervantes. Who does not shed a tear for the ardent Vich Ian Vohr, and the unshaken Evan Dhu, when perishing amid the shouts of an English mob, they refuse to swerve from their principles? And who will refuse to pity the marble Callum Beg, when, hushed in the strife of death, he finishes his earthly career on Clifton Moor, far from the blue mountains of the North, without one friend to close his eyes? 'Tis an admirable performance. Is Scott still the reputed author?' Editor's addition: [In this letter Carlyle mentions reading Euler's ?Algebra,?1 Addison's ?Freeholder,?2 Cuvier's ?Theory of the Earth,?3 Moli?re's ?Comedies,? the monthly reviews, critical journals, etc.]

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Moliere [pseud.] : [Comedies]

'? I had a sight of ?Waverley? soon after I received your letter, and I cannot help saying that, in my opinion, it is by far the best novel that has been written these thirty years - at least, that I know of. Eben. Cruickshanks, mine host of The Seven Golden Candlesticks, and Mr. Gifted Gilfillan, are described in the spirit of Smollett or Cervantes. Who does not shed a tear for the ardent Vich Ian Vohr, and the unshaken Evan Dhu, when perishing amid the shouts of an English mob, they refuse to swerve from their principles? And who will refuse to pity the marble Callum Beg, when, hushed in the strife of death, he finishes his earthly career on Clifton Moor, far from the blue mountains of the North, without one friend to close his eyes? 'Tis an admirable performance. Is Scott still the reputed author?' Editor's addition: [In this letter Carlyle mentions reading Euler's ?Algebra,?1 Addison's ?Freeholder,?2 Cuvier's ?Theory of the Earth,?3 Moli?re's ?Comedies,? the monthly reviews, critical journals, etc.]

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Stewart Lewis : [Poems]

[Carlyle apologises for not having written sooner, saying he has been waiting until he has procured a copy of Stewart Lewis' poems which he now has] 'It is imperfect, but I believe wants only two pages at each end?and at any rate it [is] the best, indeed only one, I could get hold of.' Upon reperusing the volume, I feel more and more confident, that it contains poems, which if properly selected and given to the world along with the other productions of its Author, would secure him both honour and emoluments: - I am not going to enter into any critical detail of their merits; but I cannot help [ob]serving, that had Lewis never written any thing else, than [the] ?verses on the death of an only son? - and the song ?Wandering Ma[ry?-] his title to the name of poet would have been undisputed. The volume indeed abounds with a strain of original thought and fee[ling] which is not always to be met with in books of the kind. [And] for the want of which, a thousand ban-dogs and dun-[de]er and donjon-keeps and Ladyes fair can never compensate'.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Sir John Leslie [or Playfair?] : review of Laplace's Essai philosophique sur les probabilites

'It is a considerable time since I saw Leslie's review of La Place'[s] essay on chances - and remarked with considerable surprise - the bold avowall of his sentiments on Hume's doctrine - "The Christian Instructor" attacks him with considerable asperity - and, I think, success. Hume's essays, I have not read - and therefore cannot condemn - The evidence of testimony, too, no doubt has its limits - But as far as I can judge, all that is urged either by La Place or His reviewer - does not at all affect Christianity.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Pierre Simon Laplace : Essai philosophique sur les probabilites

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

[unknown] : [unknown novel]

[Carlyle tells how he was trying to write a learned exegesis and came to a dead halt] 'One cannot long be idle - you will not wonder that I took up the first book that came in my way - and tho' it was the dullest of all dull books, yet by a fatality attendant on those things, I could not give it up. It purported to be a "history of a lover" - showing how Cecilia (somebody) being poor but honest went to Paris, with some Brandy Irish Dowager (of Tipperary) and was much astounded at their goings on - yet very much liked by the beaux. Shewing how after divers trials and temptations she married with a lord (something) who had been a very great rascal in his early days but was now become a most delectable personage; how the[y] lived in great harmony of souls till the honest man one day riding on som[e] wold and happening to fall from his beast in the presence of this notable lady, she fell into hystericks or convulsions and was taken home in a wo[e]ful plight - where she loitered on till she was "brought to bed", when she took her leave of the good man and all the world - Would you believe me, I read & read this horrid story & might have been reading yet had not a most dolorous ode to Matrimonial - no "Monody on the Death of a beloved" &c compelled me to throw past the book; and set to writing you a letter.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Jane Porter : Thaddeus of Warsaw

'Great and manifold are the books I have read since I saw you. You recommended "Thaddeus of Warsaw" long ago you may remember - and the work in my judgement fully deserves it. Miss Porter has no wit - she invariably bungles a picture of the conversatio[n] of ordinary persons, whenever she attempts it - why does she delight in unfolding the forward weaknesses of the female heart, and making even Mary Beaufort love first? - Yet with all her deficiencies she is interesting; - never failing to excite our sympathy, tho she cannot rank with our Fielding or Smollett?she infinitely surpasses the insipid froth of "The mob of Gentlemen, who write with ease".'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Cicero : De Officiis

'As an extraordinary instance of perseverance, I must mention my having read "Cicero de officiis". You must read it too Bob - You will get thro' it in a week - and cannot think your time mis[s]pent. It consists of letters addressed to his son - and if we compare the steady, affectionate, unbending precepts of the venerable Roman - with the only work of a similar kind in our own times - Chesterfield's advice - we shall blush for the eighteenth century!'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Philip Dormer Stanhope, Fourth Earl of Chesterfield : Letters to his Son

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Voltaire [pseud.] : La Pucelle d'Orleans

'But the most extraordinary production of any, I have seen these many days, is "La Pucelle d'Orleans" an Epic by Voltaire. This Mock-Heroic illustrates several things -First that the French held Voltaire a sort of demigod - secondly (and consequently) that they were wrong in so doing - and thirdly that the said Voltaire is the most impudent, blaspheming, libidinous blackgaurd [sic] that ever lived.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Cicero : De Finibus Bonorum et Malorum

'But the book I am most pleased with is "Cicero de Finibus" - not that there is much new discussion in it, but his manner is so easy and elegant; and, besides, there is such a charm connected with attending to the feelings and principles of a man over whom "the tide of years has rolled". We are entertained even with a common sentiment; and when we meet with a truth which we ourselves had previously discovered, we are delighted with the idea that our minds are similar to that of the venerable Roman'.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Dugald Stewart : Elements of the Philosophy of the Human Mind

'The first article in the last Quarterly review is [on] Stewart's second volume. The wise men of London are earnest in their censures of "the metaphysical heresies" of their northern neighbours: and notwithstanding the high admiration they pay to Stewarts talents, the[y] differ from him in almost all his results - because they disbelieve his principles - the "first principles" of Dr. Reid. Their opinion (and they give no reasons), on a point of this nature, is of little consequence. All the prejudices natural to Englishmen, they entertain in their full extent - and always modify their decisions accordingly[.] For my part, tho' far be it from me to attempt to disparage or vilipend this great man - I cannot help thinking, that, the perusal of his book has done me hurt. Perpetually talking about analysing perceptions, & retiring within ones self, & mighty improvements that we are to make?no one knows how, - I believe, he will generally leave the mind of his reader?crowded with disjointed notions & nondescript ideas - which the sooner he gets rid of, the better. I know you think differently; but de gustibus non est disputandum [concerning taste it is needless to dispute, ed. note]; and very probably, the fault is not with the Author - but his subject'.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

William Rowe Lyall : [review in the Quarterly Review of Dugald Stewart's Elements of the Philosophy of the Human Mind]

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

anon : [review in the Quarterly Review of Scott's Guy Mannering]

'"Guy Mannering" is reviewed in the same number [ of the Quarterly Review]. Tho' we have still more reason to question their competency here - you will probably admit that "the Dutch boors of Mannering tho' never so well painted, must cause a different class of sensations from those excited by the Salvator banditti of Waverl[e]y." - Yet the only extract they give (the departure of the gypsies, and Meg Merrilies' address to Ellangowan) is very much in the Salvator stile.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

anon. : [review in the Quarterly Review Byron's Lara]

'I am glad you saw Lara; and am indebted for your account of it. I read the review of it in the Quarterly review?some time ago.' [there follow Carlyle's observations on Mitchell's account of the plot; apparently Carlyle has not yet read the poem]

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

David Hume : Essays Moral, Political and Literary

'I am highly indebted to you for Hume. I like his essays better than any thing I have read these many days. He has prejudices, he does maintain errors - but he defends his positions, with so much ingenuity, that one would be almost sorry to see him dislodged. His Essays on "Superstition & Enthusiasm", on "the Dignity & meanness of Human Nature" and several others, are in my opinion admirable both in matter & manner: - particularly the first where his conclusions might be verified by instances, with which we are all acquainted. The manner, indeed, of all is excellent: - the highest & most difficult effect of art - the appearance of its absence - appears throughout. But many of his opinions are not to be adopted - How odd does it look for instance to refer all the modifications of "National character", to the influence of moral causes. Might it not be asserted with some plausibility, that even those which he denominates moral causes, originate from physical circumstances? Whence but from the perpetual contemplation of his dreary glaciers & rugged glens - from his dismal broodings in his long & almost solitary nights, has the Scandinavian conceived his ferocious Odin, & his horrid "spectres of the deep"? Compare this with the copper-castles and celestial gardens of the Arabian - and we must admit that physical causes have an influence on man. I read "the Epicurean," "the Stoic," "the Platonist" & "the Sceptic" under some disadvantage. They are perhaps rather clumsily executed - and the idea of David Hume declaiming, nay of David Hum[e] making love appears not less grotesque than would that of ad ? -oc [covered by seal: d]ancing a French cotillon. As a whole however [I am de]lig[hted w]ith the book, and if you can want it, I shall mo[reover] give it a second perusal.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

[n/a] : Edinburgh Review

'Have you seen the last Edinr review? There are several promising articles in it - Scotts "Lord of the Isles," Standard Novels, Lewis' & Clarke's travels up the Missouri, (of which a most delectable account is given in the Quarterly), Joanna Southcott, &c &c. I have been revising Akenside, since I saw you. - He pos[s]esses a warm imagination & great strength & beauty of diction. His poem, you know, does not like Campbell's "Hope" consist of a number of little incidents told in an interesting manner - & selected to illustrate his positions - it is little else than a moral declamation. Nevertheless I like it. Akenside was an enthusiastic admirer of the ancient republics and of the ancient philosophers - He thought highly of Lord Shaftesbury's principles & had a bad opinion of Scotsmen. For this last peculiarity, he has been severely caricatured by Smollet[t] in his Peregrine Pickle - under the character of the fantastic English Doctor in Franc[e] - When we mention Shaftesbury - is his book in your pos[s]ession, and can you let me have a reading of it?'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Robert Southey : [essay in the Quarterly Review on Lewis and Clarke's Travels]

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Mark Akenside : Night Thoughts

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Tobias Smollett : Peregrine Pickle

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

David Hume : Essays Moral, Political and Literary

'The best book I have read, since I wrote you, is Hume's "Essays, political and literary". It is indeed a most ingenious production - characterised by acuteness and originality, in all its parts. I have not room to tell you where I agree with its Author, and where I differ; nor how highly I admire his reasoning powers. What pity that he is a Deist! How much might his strong talents have accomplished in the cause of truth, when they did so much in that of error! It is indeed melancholy to behold so many men of talent, in our times all leaning to the same side - but I am much inclined to believe, that the reign of infidelity is past its height.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Hugh Blair : Lectures on Rhetoric

'I had almost forgotten to thank [you] for my books - they are just such as I wanted. "Blair" is an excellent piece - and very cheap. I am only sorry you sent it at all: I was in no particular want of it & you ought certainly to have done with the money whatever your situation required. - One is apt to be put about, when obliged to equip for such an expedition as yours. - The Italian grammar is hardly calculated for me - but answers in the mean time. The Novelle morale is an excellent book for the purpose'.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

[unknown] : [an Italian Grammar]

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Francesco Soave : Novelle Morali

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Dugald Stewart : The Life and Writings of William Robertson

'I was re[a]ding lately, Stewart's "life of Robertson", Smith's "wealth of nations", and Kames' "Essays on the principles of morality". The first is a sensible sort of book - unworthy, however, of Stewart. Dr Smith is a man of much research, & appears to understand completely all the bearings of his complicated subject. I have read his first and second volumes with much pleasure. He always writes like a philosopher. With regard to Lord Kames - his works are generally all an awkward compound of ingenuity and absurdity and in this volume the latter quality it appears to me, considerably preponderates. It is Metaphysical; upon Belief, identity, Necessity &c &c and I devoutly wish that no friend of mine may ever come to study it - unless he wish to learn - To weave fine cobwebs fit for scull That's empty when the moon is full. - and in that case he cannot study under a more proper master.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Adam Smith : The Wealth of Nations

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Henry Home, Lord Kames : Essays on the Principles of Morality and Natural Religion

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Benjamin Thomson Count Rumford : Essays, Political, Economical and Philosophical

'When I returned to Annan, it occurred to me, that it would be proper to see what was become of my Hall discourses. It occurred to me, much about the same time, that it would be proper to study Rumfords essays, Mackenzies travels, Humboldts New Spain, Berkeley's principles of knowledge, Stewarts essays, Simson's fluxions &c &c &c - It was some great man's advice, to every person in a hurry - never to do more than one thing at a time. Judge what progress I must have made - when I engaged in half-a-dozen. - Manufacturing theses - wrestling with lexicons, Chemical experiments, Scotch philosophy and Berkeleian Metaphysics - I have scarcely sufficient strength left, to write you even now. Upon consideration, therefore, of these egregious labours - I hope, you cannot refuse to forgive me.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

George Stewart Mackenzie : Travels in the Island of Iceland during the summer of 1810

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Friedrich von Humboldt : Essai politique sur la royaume de nouvelle espagne

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

George Berkeley : Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Dugald Stewart : Philosophical Essays

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Thomas Simpson : A Treatise of Fluxions

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Charles Bossut : Essai sur l'histoire generale ds mathematiques

'When we speak of calculi - I brought home [some f]ew mathematical books, which I must tell you of - Bossuts "history [of] mathematics", Woods "optics", Cunn's "Euclid" and Newton's "principia" constitute my [stock] of this sort - I got Lucans "Pharsalia" also, and some little extracts of Fenelons "dialogues des morts". If there are any of these (except Newton for which you would be [obliged] to wait awhile) that you wish to see - they are ready for you. I had read Bossut before - and have not done much at him of late. Neither have I read any quantity of Wood yet, having been nibbling at the "Principia" (which with all my struggling, I come but ill at understanding - indeed in some places I don't understand it at all) ever since I came home. Of Lucan I have not read above seven lines.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

James Wood : The Elements of Optics

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Isaac Newton : Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Lucan : Pharsalia

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Walter Scott : Guy Mannering, or The Astrologer

'I saw Scott's "Waterloo" and "Guy Mannering" when I was in Edinr[.] The former has been so dreadfully abused already - that I have nothing to add to the Newspaper puns, &c with which it has been assailed. The[re] are (as Gray said of the "castle of Indolence") some good lines in it I have far too little room for speaking of Mannerings beauties and defects at present - I will discuss it next time I write, if I can find nothing better.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Walter Scott : The Field of Waterloo, A Poem

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Thomas Mortimer : The British Plutarch

'It is about ten days since I got rid of a severe inflam[m]ation-of the throat, which confined me to the house for two weeks. During two or three days, I was not able to speak plainly; & you will easily conceive, that I passed my time very heavily. I endeavoured to read several things: I tried a book of modern Biography "The British Plutarch"; but soon finding it to be a very miserable book, I shut it for good and all. I next opened the "Spectator" - and tho' his ja[u]nty manner but ill accorded with my sulky humours, I toiled thro' a volume & a half, with exemplary patience. Lastly, I had recourse to Lord Chesterfield's "advice to his son"; and I think I never before so distinctly saw the pitiful disposition of this Lord. His directions concerning washing the face & paring the nails are indeed very praiseworthy: and I should be content to see them printed in a large type, and placed in frames above the chimneypieces of boarding-schools - for the purpose of enforcing the duties of cleanliness, upon the rising generation. But the flattery, the dissimulation & paltry cunning that he is perpetually recommending, leave one little room to regret that Chesterfield was not his father. Such was the result of my studies, in my sickness: - a result highly unfavourable to those feelings of prostration before high birth & weight of purse, which (many tell us) it is so eminently the duty of all men to cultivate. Indeed this is not the first time that I have noticed in my mind, a considerable tendency to undervalue the great ones of this world'.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Joseph Addison : The Spectator

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book, Serial / periodical

Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield : Letters to His Son

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Alexander Pope : The Iliad / Odyssey of Homer

'I am glad to hear that you are getting forward so well with Homer. I know almost nothing about him - having never read any thing but Pope's translation, and not above a single book of the original - & that several years ago. Indeed I know very little of the Greek at any rate. I have several times begun to read Xenophon's anabasis completely: but always gave it up in favour of something else - You complain that nothing that you do leaves a vestige behind it: - what do you make of Homer?'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Homer : The Iliad / Odyssey

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Xenophon : Anabasis

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

George Crabe : Poems

'Out of a considerable quantity of garbage which I have allowed myself, at different intervals, to devour, I have only to mention Crabbes Poems as worthy of being read. In addition to great powers of correct description, he pos[s]esses all the sagacity of an anatomist in searching into the stormy passions of the human heart - and all the apathy of an anatomist in describing them.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Isaac Newton : Philosophi? Naturalis Principia Mathematica

'For the rest - I continued reading Newton's "Principia" with considerable perseverance & little success - till on arriving a short way into the third book - I discovered that I had too little knowledge of Astronomy, to understand his reasoning rightly. And I forthwith sent to Edinr for De Lambre's "abr?g? d'Astronomie"; and in the mean time, betook myself to reading Wood's "optics". I cannot say much about this book. Its author intermeddles not with the abstruse parts of the science - such as the causes of reflection & refraction?the reason why transparent bodies, at given angles of incidence, reflect their light almost entirely (concerning which, I meet with many learned details, in the Encyclopedia Britan) - but contents himself with demonstrating, in a plain enough manner, the ordinary effects of plane & spherical mirrors - and of lenses of various kinds - applying his doctrines, to the explanation of various optical instruments & remarkable phenomena. But in truth, I know little about it, I read it with too great velocity. - I also read Keil's "introductio ad veram Physicam"; but I shall let it pass till next time I write. In fine De Lambre arrived; & I have read into his fourth Le?on -and like it greatly.I intended to have told you some of his observations - but I would not overwhelm you with ennui all at once - and therefore, I shall be silent at present. - [italics]ne quid nimis[end italics] [moderation in all things - editor's note] ? as the proverb saith'.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

James Wood : The Elements of Optics

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Jean Baptiste Joseph Delambre : Abrege d'astronomie

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

John Keill : Introductio ad veram physicam

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Thomas or William Belsham : [either Elements of the Philosophy of Mind or Essays in Philosophical Morality]

'I return always to the study of Physics with more pleasure - after trying "The Philosophy of Mind". It is delightful, after wandering in the thick darkness of metaphysics?to behold again the fair face of truth. When will there arise a man who shall do for the science of mind - what Newton did for that of matter - establish its fundamental laws on the firm basis of induction - and discard forever those absurd theories - that so many dreamers have devised? - I believe this is a foolish question - for its answer is - never. - I am led to talk in this manner - by having lately read M[r.] Sweart's [Stewart's] "History of Philosophy" in the supplement to the "Encyclopedia Britannica"[.] I doubt I am going to displease you - but I must say - that I do not recollect of ever having bestowed as much attention with so little effect - upon any author as upon Profr Stewart. Let me study his writings as I like - my mind seems only to turn on its axis - but without progressive or retrograde motion at all.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Dugald Stewart : [Introductory essay to Encyclopaedia Britannica]

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

John Playfair : Dissertation Second: Exhibiting a general View of the Progress of Mathematical and Physical Science

'My habits have been so much deranged by change of place, that I have not yet got rightly settled to my studies. I have read little since I saw you: and of that little, I doubt, I have not made the best use. Have you seen Playfairs introductory essay in the Encyclopedia? I am sure you will like it. It is distinguished for its elegance & perspicuity. I perused it some weeks ago, and thought it greatly preferable to Stewarts. Indeed I have often told you, that I am somewhat displeased with myself because I cannot admire this great philosopher, half as much as many critics do. He is so very stately - so transcendental - and withal so unintelligible, that I cannot look upon him with the needful veneration. I was reading the second volume of his "Philosophy of the human mind", lately. It is principally devoted to the consideration of Reason. The greater part of the book is taken up with statements of the opinions of others; and it often required all my penetration to discover what the Author's own views of the matter were. He talks much about Analysis & Mathematics, and disports him very pleasantly upon geometrical reasoning; but leaves what is to me the principal difficulty, untouched. Tell me if you have read it.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Dugald Stewart : Elements of the Philosophy of the Human Mind

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Walter Scott : Tales of My Landlord

'You have no doubt seen the "Tales of my Landlord". Certainly "Waverl[e]y" and "Mannering" and "the Black Dwarf" were never written by the same person. If I mistake not - Dr M'Crie's strictures are a little too severe, on some occassions - and his love of the Cameronians too violent. The Worthy Doctor's humour is as heavy as lead'.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Thomas M'Crie : Vindication of the Covenanters

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

[n/a] : The Scotsman

'A variety of works have been begun about the new year (as is the fashion) in the "periodical line". A weekly newspaper the "Scotsman" has reached the third number. I have seen them all - a little violent in their Whiggism; but well enough written in some places. Pillans & Jeffrey & Moncrieff and many others have been respectively named as the Editor. There is also a weekly essay "The Sale Room" begun about six weeks ago - by whom, I know not. The writers are not without abilities; but the last numbers seemed to indicate that the work was about to give up the ghost.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Newspaper

[unknown] : The Sale Room

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Johann Spurzheim : [work on phrenology]

[Having heard some lectures on Spurzheim's ideas] 'I have since looked into the Dr's book, and if possible the case is worse. Certainly, it is not true, that, our intellectual & moral & physical powers are jumbled in such huge disorder - surely it will be marvellous if these powers can be defined and estimated with such Mathematical precision, from the size & figure of the scull; but it is very silly to say that Spurzhiem has demonstrated all this - Spurzhiem has demonstrated nothing; -for any thing he knows to the contrary, the faculties of the soul are to be ascertained from the figure & size of the abdomen - if the venerable science of palmistry is not to be revived - It is in vain to rail against the opposition shewn to novelties?the doctrine is not to be rejected for its novelty, but for its want of truth'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

[n/a] : Edinburgh Review

'I have read little of any consequence since I wrote to you. You will have seen the last Numbers of the "Edinr" & "Quarterly" reviews. In the latter, among a great deal of foul & nauseating stuff, I was happy to see that due credit is at length given to Mr Duncan for his valuable institution.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

[n/a] : Quarterly Review

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Blaise Pascal : Les Provinciales, ou les lettres

'I was reading Pascal's "lettres provinciales". None can help admiring his wit & probity. He sustains excellently the character of [italics]naivet?[end italics]which he has assumed - and with infinite dexterity, hunts the jesuits thro' all their doublings and subterfuges, till he has triumphantly exposed the wretched baseness of their conduct. It is pity that the Salvation of Europe required the reestablishment of this vile order of men.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Christian Leopold, Baron von Buch : Reise durch Norwegen und Lappland

'Last week I perused von Buch's "travels in Norway & Lapland". Much of his attention is devoted to Mineralogy, of which I am very ignorant, and his movements are sometimes not a little mysterious, from the want of a proper map of the country. Nevertheless he communicates some valuable information respecting the natural productions - & the wandering inhabitants of those dreary regions. His manner is as clumsy & ponderous as that of German philosophers generally is - and no where is this [more ap]parent than when he attempts to be striking, or tries his powers in the pathetic lin[e].'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Jean Sylvain Bailly : Histoire de l'astronomie moderne

'I took Bail]ly's "histoire d'Astronomie", out of the College library, last time I was over the firth. [He seems] to write with great eloquence & perspicuity; but I have read little of him.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

[n/a] : Dumfries Courier

'We get a "Dumfries Courier" here amongst us. Our third Number reached us a few days ago. It seems M'Darmaid [M'Diarmid] is become sole Editor; - it is not the opinion of the readers here, that the paper has been a gainer by the change. The Ranger seems (under favour) to be but a silly kind of person - and his friend Mr Bright is a very vapid gentleman. It is a pity that Spoudastes his labours have been curtailed, before he has completed his investigations. But we must make a shift to live without knowing who wrote Mary's dream.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Newspaper

Jean Sylvain Bailly : Histoire de l'astronomie moderne

'Three weeks ago, I finished M. Bailly's "histoire de l'Astronomie Modern[e.]" His acquaintance with the science seems to have been more extensive than profound; his stile is elegant - perhaps somewhat too florid, and interspersed with metaphors which an English critic might be tempted sometimes to call conceited - I wish I were an Astronomer - Is it not an interesting reflection to consider, that a little creature such as man-tho' his eye can see the heaven but as it were for a moment - is able to delineate the aspects which it presented long ages before he came into being - and to predict the aspects which it will present when ages shall have gone by. The past the present & the future are before him.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Thomas Chalmers : A Series of Discourses on the Christian Revelation, Viewed in Connection with Modern Astronomy

'But Dr Chalmers, it would seem, is fearful lest these speculations [on the nature of the universe] lead us away from Christianity and has written a volume of discourses to prove that the insignificance of our planet in the universe is no argument against the truth of religion. Orthodox men declare, of course, that he has completely discomfited his opponents - I read it sometime ago - It abounds in that fiery thoroughgoing stile of writing for which the Author is so remarkable: nevertheless his best argument seems to be, that as it is in the scriptures, we have no business to think about it [at] all - an argument which was well enough known to be a panacea in cases of that nature - before his volume saw the light. '

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Thomas Chalmers : [article on paperism in Edinburgh Review]

'This same Doctor [Chalmers], as you will know wr[i]tes the first article in the late "Edinr review" - on the causes & cure of mendicity. After expatiating at considerable length on the evils of pauperism, he proposes as a remedy to increase the number of clergymen. They who know the general habits of Scottish ministers will easily see how sovereign a specific this is. The remainder of the review is good reading; but as you will have seen it before this time, I will not trouble you farther on the matter - I have seen the last Number of the "Quarterly review". It seems to be getting into a very rotten frothy vein. Mr Southey is a most unblushing character; & his political lucubrations are very notable. He has been sorely galled by "the Caledonian Oracle" poor man - I know nothing about Mr Duncan's controversy except thro the "Scotsman"; and they assign him the victory'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Robert Southey : [article in Quarterly Review]

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

[n/a] : The Scotsman

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Newspaper

William Wallace : [article on Fluxions in Encyclopaedia Britannica]

'What I deplore is that laziness and dissipation of mind to which I am still subject. At present I am quieting my conscience with the thought that I shall study very diligently this winter. Heaven grant it be so! for without increasing in knowledge what profits it to live? Yet the commencement has been inauspicious. Three weeks ago I began to read Wallace's "Fluxions" in the Encyclopaedia, and had proceeded a little way, when the "Quarterly Review", some problems in a very silly Literary and Statistical Magazine of which the the schoolmasters are supporters, Madm de Sta?l's "Germany", etc. etc., have suspended my operations these ten days. After all I am afraid that this winter will pass as others have done before it - unmarked by improvement; and what is to hinder the next, & its followers till the end of the short season allotted me to do so likewise?'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

[n/a] : Literary and Statistical Magazine for Scotland

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Anne Louise Germaine, Madame de Stael : De l'Allemagne

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

[n/a] : Quarterly Review

I told you I had seen the "Quarterly Review". You would notice its contents in the newspaper. It is a long time since I ceased to be one of its admirers. The writers pos[s]ess no inconsiderable share of dogmatism; and their learning, which they are, to an unpleasant degree, fond of displaying[,] is of that minute & scholastic nature which is eminently distinguished from knowledge. Moreover their zeal for the "Social order" seems to eat them up[,] and their horror of revolution is violent as a hydrophobia. These qualities are prominent in the last number - and accordingly it contains much disgusting matter; but I like it better as a whole, than some of its predecessors. There is in it a distant and respectful but severe criticism on Dugald Stewart's writings, which comes much nearer my views of his character, than any of the panegyrics which the Edinr Reviewers have so lavishly bestowed upon him.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Matthew Lewis : The Monk

'The other night I sat up till four o'clock, reading Matthew Lewis's "Monk". It is the most stupid & villainous novel that I have read for a great while. Considerable portions of it are grossly indecent[,] not to say brutish - one does not care a straw about one of the characters - and tho' "little Mat" has legions of ghosts & devils at his bidding - one views their movements with profound indifference.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

[n/a] : Edinburgh Magazine

'I have seen the first number of Constable's new magazine - it seems scarcely equal to Blackwood's - the last number of which has appeared. B. advertises a new one with a slight variation in the title. There is also another periodical publication published once a fortnight (I forget its name), begun under the auspices of Peter Hill. I perused only one article and can give no account of it. I cannot pretend to say what this influx of magazines indicates or portends.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

[n/a] : Edinburgh Monthly Magazine

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

[n/a] : Edinburgh observer or Town and Country Magazine

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

David Hume : The History of England during the reigns of James I and Charles I

'I have read thro' that clear & candid but cold hearted narration of David Hume - and now seven of Toby Smollet[t]'s eight chaotic volumes are before me. To say nothing of Gibbon (of whom I have only read a volume) - nor of the Watsons the Russel[l]s the Voltaires &c &c known to me only by name. Alas! thou seest how I am beset. - It would be of little avail to criticise Bacons "Essays": it is enough to say, that Stewarts opinion of them is higher than I can attain. For style, they are rich & venerable - for thinking, incorrect & fanciful.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Tobias Smollett : History of England

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Edward Gibbon : Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Francis Bacon : Essays

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Francois VI, Duc de La Rochefoucauld : Reflexions ou sentences et maximes morales

'Some time ago, I bought me a copy of La Rochefoucault. It has been said that the basis of his system is the supposition of selflove being the motive of all our actions. It rather seems, as if he had laid down no system at all. Regarding man as a wretched, mischievous thing, little better than a kind of vermin, he represents him as the sport of his passions, above all of vanity, and exposes the secret springs of his conduct always with some wit, and (?bating the usual sacrifices of accuracy to smartness), in general, with great truth & sagacity'.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

[n/a] : Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine

'Some time since, all the world was astonished at the 2nd number of "Blackwoods (formerly the Edinr) magazine" - The greater part of it is full of gall: but the most venomous article is the "translation of a Chaldee manuscript" said to be found in the library of Paris - It is written in the phrase of the Scriptures - [and gives] an allegorical account of the origin & end of the late "Edinr magazine" - greatly to the [dis]paragement of Constable & the Editors - Most of the Authors of "Edinr" are characterised with great acrimony - under the likeness of birds & beasts & creeping things - "Blackwood" is like to be beleaguered with prosecutions for it - two are already raised against him. Replies in the shape of "explanations", "letters to Drs M'Crie and Thomson" have been put forth - more are promised - and doubtless, rejoinders are in a state of preparation. Whatever may become of "Blackwood" or his antagonists - the "reading" or rather the talking "public" is greatly beholden to the Author. He has kept its jaws moving these four weeks - and the sport is not finished yet'.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

William Coxe : Travels in Switzerland

'I have been reading little except Coxe's travels in Switzerland, Poland, Russia &c, Humes history together with part of Smollet[t], Gibbon &c. Coxe is an intelligent man, and communicates in a very popular manner considerable information concerning the countries thro' which he passed - Hume you know to be distinct & impartial: but he has less sympathy than might be expected with the heroic patriots - the Hampdens & the Sidneys that glorify the pages of English history. I fear Smollett is going to be a confused creature. I have read but a volume of Gibbon - and I do not like him - his style is flowery - his sarcasms wicked - his notes oppressive, often beastly.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

William Coxe : Travels in Poland, Russia, Sweden and Denmark

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

David Hume : The History of England During the Reigns of James I and Charles I

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Edward Gibbon : Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Reuben BURROW : Unknown from 'Ladies' and Gentleman's Diary'

Mathematics, I have absolutely never thought on - excepting some trifles from the Ladies' and Gentleman's diary - which I shall have conscience enough not to trouble you with at present.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Cicero : De Finibus

But the book I am most pleased with is 'cicero de Finibus' - not that there is much new discussion in it, but his manner is so easy and elegant; and, besides, there is such a charm connected with attending to the feelings and principles of a man over whom the 'tide of years has rolled.' We are entertained even with a common sentiment; and when we meet with a truth which we ourselves had previously discovered, we are delighted with the idea that our minds are similar to that of the venerable Roman.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

William Hazlitt : 'Standard Novels'

"Have you seen the last Edinr review? There are several promising articles in it - Scott's 'Lord of the Isles,' Standard Novels, Lewis' & Clarke's travels up the Missouri (of which a most delectable account in the Quarterly), Joanne Southcott, &c &c".

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Lewis & Clarke : Travels up the Missouri

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Sir Isaac Newton : Institutes

'It occurred to me; much about the same time that it would be proper to study Stewart's Essays, Berkel[e]y's principes of knowledge, Rumfords Essays, Newton ['s] Institutes, Simpson's Fluxions &c &c - If to these overpowering engagements you add the numberless fits of indolence - and the perpetual visitations of spleen, to which one is subjected in this dirty little uncomfortable planet of ours - I presume you will have a sufficient excuse for my silence; and will rather wonder indeed that you have heard from me at all.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

anon : Belfast Town & County Almanack

'I have looked into the Belfast Town and Country Almanack - and consulted several cunning men upon the subject - and from all quartrs, I collect - that the moon will be full about one of the clock on the morning of Thursday the 9th inst.-'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Unknown

Sir John Leslie : Elements of Geometry

'With regard to the division of the circle into 360 parts,- I think it cannot be done by elementary Geometry - at least if M. Gauss is right - who (Leslie tells us) has demonstrated that a polygon can be inscribed in a circle - directly - by means of circles and straight lines - only - when the number of its sides is a prime number and can be denoted by 2n + 1.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

William Thomson : The New Testament. Translated from the Greek, 3 vols

'I received about a month ago the Revd Willm Thomson of Ochiltree's new translation of the Testament. Of course I am no judge of his 'new renderings'; but the stile both of writing & thinking displayed in those parts which I have looked at, is dull & sluggish as the clay itself. He brags of having altered the expressions of the old translation - every body I suppose will readily admit this - and be ready to wish him joy of all the honour than [that] can arise from such alterations...'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

William Wallace : 'Fluxions' in Encyclopedia Britannica

'Soon after my arrival here, I fell to Wallace's fluxions, with might and main. I would study, I thought, with great vehemence, every night - and the two hours at noon, which I have to dispose of, I would devote to the reading of history and other lighter matters - But alas! two hours I found to be insufficien[t] - by degrees poor Wallace was encroached upon - and is now all but finally discarded. His introduction, it must be confessed, is ponderous & repulsive. His horror of the binomial theorem leads him into strange bye-paths. But he demonstartes [sic] with great rigour.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Robert Mitchell : 'theorems'

'I perused your theorems with some attention. They are well worthy of a place in the Courier - though not for the purpose you mention. Mr Johnston, if I mistake not, is a small gentleman, whom it would be no honour to demolish.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Unknown

Tobias Smollett : History of England [probably]

'I have been reading little [since I last wrote to you] except Coxe's travels in Switzerland, Poland, Russia &c, Humes history together with part of Smollet[t], Gibbon &c. Coxe is an intelligent man, and communicates in a very popular manner considerable information concerning the countries thro which he passed.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

John Milton : Prose works

'I am in Milton's prose works, Cromwell's life, George Fox's Wanderings &c day & night, when I have any leisure'.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

George Fox : Historical Account of the Life, Travels,...of George Fox

'I am in Milton's prose works, Cromwell's life, George Fox's Wanderings &c day & night, when I have any leisure'.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Henry Hart Milman : Samor, the Lord of the Bright City

'I have read the 'bright city' and rejoiced to find your criticism of it so agreeable to my own. Milman is certainly a poet, but he takes a flight higher than he can sustain. He paints too gorgeously and indistinctly, he also whines too much, he is sometimes even liable to cant. I am astonished at your diffidence in judging him: it were well if he always found even critics by profession so well qualified.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Charles Hughes Terot : Poems

'Did [Benjamin Bell] write these verses? If so, he seems young at the art like us, but not without powers of doing better; dactyls are always difficult to manage, and his accordingly are but a kind of flash in the pan - no damage is done; but the other piece has a sort of pococurante [little-caring] air about it which looks more like genius and truth, and answers greatly better. Except the last stanza, they are good. If he is only about twenty years of age or so, he may cultivate poetry with considerable hope: if nearer thirty I advise him never to write another line.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Sheet, Poems included in letter from Jane Baillie Welsh to TC

Leigh Hunt (EDITOR) : The Liberal

'Byron's Magazine or rather Hunt's 'The Liberal' is arrived in town; but they will not sell it - it is so full of Atheism and Radicalism and other noxious isms. I had a glance of it one evening; I read it thro and found two papers apparently by Byron, and full of talent as well as mischief. Hunt is the only serious man in it, since Shell[e]y died: he has a wish to preach about politics and bishops and pleasure and paintings and nature, honest man; Byron wants only to write squibs against Southey and the like. The work will hardly do. If possible you shall see this number.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Andrew Ure : Review of 'Description of Instruments, Designed for Extending and Improving Meteorological Observations' (1820)

'Have you seen Dr Ures notice of Leslie's Meteorology, in Brande's Journal? Some one shewed it to me and it seemed a very unpalatable morsel: I know not whether you will care for i[t].'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodicalManuscript: Letter

Leigh Hunt (EDITOR) : The Liberal

'At present the honest people of "the letters" are much shocked at the appearance of Byron's and Hunt's Magazine "The Liberal", which hardly one of the Bibliopolists will venture to sell a copy of. The first two articles, seemingly Byron's, are exceedingly potent - very clever and very wicked; the rest is in Hunt's vein, and no better or worse than a common examiner.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book, Serial / periodical, The LiberalManuscript: Letter

Jacques Fracois Paul Alphonse, Abbe de Sade : Memoires pour la vie de Francois Petrarch

'I have spent a stupid day reading the Abbe de Sade's Memoirs of Petrarch. What a feeble whipster was this Petrarch with all his talents! To go dangling about, for the space of twenty years, puffing and sighing after a little coquette, whose charms lay briefly in the fervour of his imagination, and the art she had to keep him wavering between hope and despondency - at once ridiculous and deplorable - that he might write sonnets in her praise!'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Margaret A. Carlyle : Letter

'It is already past twelve o'clock, and I am tired and sleepy; but I cannot go to rest without answering the kind little note which you sent me, and acknowledging these new instances of your unwearied attention to my interests and comfort.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter

Robert Browning : Sordello

Thomas Carlyle to Robert Browning, 21 June 1841: 'Many months ago you were kind enough to send me your Sordello; and now this day I have been looking into your Pippa passes, for which also I am your debtor [...] both Pieces have given rise to many reflections in me [...] you seem to possess a rare spiritual gift, poetical, pictorial, intellectual [...] to unfold which into articulate clearness is naturally the problem of all problems for you.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Robert Browning : Pippa Passes

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Johann Gottfried Gruber : Christop Martin Wieland

'Meantime I am reading Grubers Wieland: he is about equal to Doctor Joralic our worthy friend: a more learned man, but at bottom another of the same.-'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

George Gordon Byron : The Age Of Bronze

'Byron has sent us a new poem the Age of Bronze: it is short, and pithy - but not at all poetical. Byron may still easily fail to be a great man. You shall see his Bronze (a poetical squib) when you arrive; and another Liberal which is on the way.'

Unknown

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: BookManuscript: Letter

Edmund Spenser : The Faerie Queene

'I read Spenser these some mornings, while eating my breakfast. He is a dainty little fellow, as ever you saw: I propose that you and he shall be closely acquainted by and by.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Johann Karl August Musaeus : Volksmahrchen der Deutschen

'I finished your Musaeus ten days ago: it is a nice little book and will do very well. You shall have it at Had[dingto]n whenever you get there, with multifarious advices and palavers.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: BookManuscript: Letter

: [newspaper]

'If you have heard no news lately from the south, it will be fresh intelligence for you that Lawson had a call to Selkirk, which as I learn from this day's newspaper (after his opinion faintly declared to the contrary) the Synod compelled him to decline.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: NewspaperManuscript: Letter

Edward Irving : For The Oracles Of God, Four Orations

'I spent the day in reading part of Irving's sermons, which I have not finished. On the whole he should not have published it - till after a considerable time. There is strong talent in it, true eloquence, and vigorous thought: but the foundation is rotten, and the building itself is a kind of monster in architecture - beautiful in parts - vast in dimensions - but on the whole decidedly a monster.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: BookManuscript: Letter

Thomas Carlyle : Proofs of 'Schiller's Life and Writings'

'Even as it is, I contrive to in general to get along very reasonably. Jack comes down to me every night: we have a talk and a walk: we correct the Printer's sheets together, and are very happy. He is a kind faithful slut of a fellow.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: ProofsManuscript: Letter

: Examiner (Newspaper Chat section)

'Did you get Meister; did they get them at Annan? It is slowly and sparingly coming forth here: I see it in the windows of the principal booksellers - there was a kind of notice of it in the Examiner (wherein my performance was called admirable!) and lately in the Scotsman (where it was able).'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

: The Scotman

'I was very much obliged by the Scotsman you sent me to Foley Place, and the criticism of Meister contained in it - shallow and narrow enough it is true, but favourable and on the whole the best it has yet received.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

: Review of Carlyle's translation of Goethe's Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship

'Did you get the two Examiners I sent you? The last of them was forced into my hand by a news-vender, just as I was mounting the Coach at 7am, and what should I see in it but a review of Meister! I bought it, read it, and sent it to you.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book, Serial / periodical

Friedrich Schiller : Works

'I am daily expecting a letter from you on the subject of the Life of Schiller. I have got a copy of his Works beside me, which I have been glancing over; and I feel anxious to commence the business fo remoulding and enlarging, in due form.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe : Wilhelm Meister's Wanderjahre

'This morning I received a copy of Wilhelm Meisters Wanderjahre (Travels), a sort of sequel to Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship, which is at present stealing into what notice it can attain among you. The Travels was written two years ago by Goethe, and promises so far as I can yet judge to be a very special work. I am not without some serious thoughts of putting it into an English dress to follow its elder brother.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe : Meister Wilhelm's Wanderjahre (first volume)

'I would have answered your letter sooner but for a long series of movements and countermovements I have had to execute. I also wished to read Goethe's book, before determining on your proposal with regard to it. This I have at length done: I find it will not answer. The work is incomplete, the first volume only having yet appeared; and it consists of a series of fragments, individually beautiful, but quite disjointed, and in their present state scarcely intelligible.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: BookManuscript: Letter

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe : private letter

'The other afternoon, as I was lying dozing in a brown study after dinner, a lord's lackey knocked at the door and delivered me a little blue parcel, requiring for it a ntoe of delivery. I opened it, and found two pretty stitched little books, and a letter from - Goethe! I copy it from the fractur [Gothic script] hand it was written in, and send it for your edification. The patriarchal style of it pleases me much.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter

Jane Baillie Welsh : Letter dated 29th January

'My own Jane!- You are a noble girl; and your true and generous heart shall not lie oppressed anotehr instant under any weight that I can tkae from it... This letter is, I think, the best you ever sent me; there is more of the true woman, of the essence of my Jane's honourable nature in it, than I ever saw before. Such calm quiet good-sense, and such confiding simple true affection! I were myself a pitiable man, if it did not move me.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter

: The Courier

'PS Since I finished this, I have got Alick's letter, and the Courier all in order! Thank Alick and my dear Father for the pleasure and contentment they have given me: had I got their letter a day sooner, this sheet had not been yours.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Newspaper

: Spanish Grammar

'There is a Spaniard here (one of the refugees) who from Catholic has become Protestant, a very honest shrewd little fellow, between whom and Irving I have had occasion frequently of late to officiate as interpreter (the Sp[an]iard speaking only French). I have bethought me of turning his skill [to] account; I have bought a Spanish grammar, and begun yesterday to take lessons from him in his language, which I may repay by giving him lessons in mine.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Alexander Carlyle : Letter

'My dear Alick, No piece of news that I have heard for a long time has given me more satisfaction than the intelligence contained in your letter of yesterday. For several weeks I had lived in a total dearth of tidings from you; and both on account of your welfare, and of our mutual projects in the farming line, I had begun to get into the fidgets, and was ready to hasten homewards with many unpleasant imaginations to damp the expected joy of again beholding friends so dear to me.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter

Badams : Letter

'Yesterday Badams wrote me (from admist the 'wild beasts of Ephesus,' as he calls the new Mining Companies, with whom he is in constant treaty about some important smelting schemes): he wishes me to stay till his return, but if I cannot, he entreats me to take Taffy (a little fiery corn-fed indefatigable Welsh Pony of his, on which I ride) with all its furniture, for the love of him.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter

Badams : Letter

'He has written to me twice since his departure; he insists that I shall take a little pony of his with all its furniture; ride home on it thro' the Peak country in Derbyshire, and keep the steed in remembrance of him.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter

Jean Paul Friedrich Richter : Leben Fibels

'Of Richter I yet know little; I have looked into his Herbst-Bluminen, his Flegaljahre, and am now reading his Fibel. It is easy to see already that next to Goethe (and Tieck?) he is the best man in Germany: but his extravagance and barbarism will render the task of selecting from him one of some difficulty.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Jean Paul Friedrich Richter : Herbst-blumine oder gesammelte Wekchen aus Zeitschriften

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Jean Paul Friedrich Richter : Die Flegeljahre

'Of Richter I yet know little; I havelooked into his Herbst-Bluminen, his Flegaljahre, and am now reading his Fibel. It is easy to see already that next to Goethe (and Tieck?) he is the best man in Germany: but his extravagance and barbarism will render the task of selecting from him one of some difficulty.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Auguste Heinrich Julius Lafontaine : Raphael

'Could you learn for me which is Lafontaine's best novel in one moderate volume? I have read his Raphael (in French), his Rudolph von Werdenberg, and his Tinchen (in German): there is genius in all of these, but whether any of them is among the best of his half-a-century of works, I have no means of ascertaining.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Auguste Heinrich Julius Lafontaine : Rudolph von Werdenberg

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Auguste Heinrich Julius Lafontaine : Tinchen oder die Mannerprobe

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

unknown : [German novel]

'I have read nothing, but half of one German novel, last sunday! Not long ago, all this would have made me miserable; but at present I submit to it with equanimity, and even find enjoyment in the thought that in this humblest of spheres of existence I am doing all I can do save my spirit and my fortunes from the shipwreck which threatened then, and to fit me for discharging to myself and others whatever duties my natural or accidental capabilities, slender but actually existing as they are, point out and impose upon me.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Jean Paul Friedrich Richter : unknown

'It is many a weary year since I have been so idle or so happy. I have not done two sheets of Werter yet; I read Richter and Jacobi, I ride, and hoe cabbages, and like Basil Montague, am "a lover of all quiet things"'.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: BookManuscript: Letter

Jane Baillie Welsh : Letter dated 9 October 1825

'How kind, how simple, true and good! Beautifully welcome, in my sombre vacancy here! (Dumfries, Septr, 1868) This Letter to my Mother (dear kind Letter!) I must have brot [sic] with me from Templand. Legible without commentary,- or with almost none. The Nithsdale Visit is ab[ou]t terminating; and dull distant Haddington, with an uncertain future, lies ahead.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter

Alfred Tennyson : Poems

Thomas Carlyle to Alfred Tennyson, 7 December 1842: 'I have just been reading your Poems; I have read certain of them over again [goes on to praise Poems further, citing examples from volume]'.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

John A. Carlyle : Thesis for medical degree "De Mentis Alientione" (On Diseases Of The Mind)

'I have read these leaves of your thesis; and really I find them very far beyond my expectation, which had satisfied itself with ranking your Latin (I now discover) far too little above the usual Grinder Latin. Some of these sentences are quite good. The sense too so far as it extends in these few lines is clear and flowing; and I have no doubt, if the rest in any way correspond to it, your Essay will be very far above the average.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Degree thesis

Thomas Carlyle : Proofs

I guessed what was detaining your letter: but I scarcely dared to expect it on Saturday. It came in company with a quarter of a volume of Proofs, or I should have answered it yesterday. But the villainous sheets kept me working till midnight; and now I am to be busy beyond all measure for a week or more.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Proofs

Unknown : Unknown

'Dearest - I found not only a load of Books on Saturday, but eight proof sheets besides; the consideration and alteration of which, attended with other sorry enough drawbacks, has kept me occupied to the present hour. Henceforth nothing but fireman haste awaits me, for week after week! My spare hours filled with critical meditations, and ever and anon the thought of this solemn treaty intervening!'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Thomas Carlyle : Title page and preface of 'German Romance'

'A pack of sheets came down on Monday morning, with a long letter from the Bibliophile requiring an alteration in the Title-page and Preface; then Jonathan on Wednesday morning; the management of all which things has occiped my whole disposable time till this morning.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Title page and prefaceManuscript: Letter

Immanuel Kant : The Critique of Pure Reason

'You will never in the world guess what sort of a pastime I have had resourse to in this windbound portion of my voyage. Nothing less than the reading of Kant's Transcendental Philosophy! So it is: I am at the hundred and fiftieth page of the Kritik der reinen verbubft; not only reading but partially understanding, and full of projects for instructing my benighted countrymen on the true merits of this sublime system at some more propitious season.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

JMH Doring : Jean Paul Richters Leben

'I was very much obliged by your copy of Doering's Jean Paul and the manuscript sent along with it; whch tho' too late for assisting my printed critical labours I perused with great interest. My curiosity indeed was rather excited than satisfied by the strange 'string of shreds and patches' which Doering calls a Life; but Richter is a subject of such attraction that any account of him however meagre was peculiarly welcome.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Unknown : Unknown

'Directly after breakfast, the 'Goodwife' and the Doctor evacuate this apartment, and retire up stairs to the drawing-room, a little place all fitted up like a lady's work-box; where a 'spunk of fire' is lit for the forenoon; and I meanwhile sit scribbling and meditating, and wrestling with the powers of Dulness, till one or two o'clock; when I sally forth into city, or towards the sea-shore, taking care only to be home for the important purpose of consuming my mutton-chop at four. After dinner, we all read learned languages till coffee (which we now often take instead of tea), and so on till bed-time...'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Signed as 'Q' : Review of 'German Romance' by Thomas Carlyle

'The German book is getting praise rather than censure: I was about sending Alick a copy of the last Examiner Newspaper, where it was rather sensibly criticised. The man praises me for this and that: but then, it seems, I am terribly to blame for condemning Voltaire and the Sceptics!'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

anon : Review of 'German Romance'

'This day I was in the Advocates Library seeking German Books, and I found (directed by Dr Irving) the first Article in the Monthly Review devoted to our "German Romance". The man is little better than an ass; but a well-disposed one; and never dreams that his ears are long. He calls me point-blank by the name of the city Carlisle, without apology or introduction...'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Franz Horn : Unknown

'Jeffrey has sent me a note requesting the Ops Majus by the middle of next month, and enclosing a draft of twenty guineas for the article on Richter. You may conceive whether I am in a hurry, for I have not yet put pen to paper! I have merely been reading Horn, somewhat of Fichte, Schelling, etc., and have not yet shaped the thing into any form.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Thomas de Quincey : Review of 'State of German Literature'

'The Edinr Review is out some time ago; and the 'State of German Literature' has been received with considerable surprise and approbation by the Universe. Thus for instance, de Quinc[e]y praises it in his Saturday Post. Sir W. Hamilton tells me that it is 'cap'tal'; and Wilson informs John Gordon that it has 'done me a deal o'good'.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodicalManuscript: Letter

George Moir : Preface to 'Constable's Miscellany' vol. 18, Schiller's Thirty Years War, I

Now the other morning Dr Irving shows me the last vol. of Constable's Miscellany, and a most magnificent passage in the Preface about this very book. Be so good as to look at that before we go farther.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

David (dr) Brewster : Recommendation

'I [ac]cordingly wrote off to St. Andrews; and the next day, to all the four winds in quest of recommendations. To Goethe, to Irving, to Buller, to Brewster &c &c. These same recommendations are now beginning to come in upon me: I had one from Brewster two days ago (with the offer of farther help); and this morning, came a decent testificatory letter from Buller, and a most majestic certificate in three pages from Edward Irving.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter of recommendation

John A. Carlyle : Letter dated 6th Feb, Munich

'We are greatly pleased with your sketches of 'German character'; your Oken, your pert Surgeon, your Schelli[n]g &c must surely be pictures from the Life. Becker says Oken and Wilhelmi are true portraits, as I described them from your letter. Above all I am glad to find both that you admire Schelling and know that you do not understand him.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter

Jean Carlyle : Package of Proofsheets

'Dear Little Crow, I duly received your Munich Letter, and your Proofsheet Package, on two successive Wednesdays; and had reason to approve your activity and sagacity in managing so many new concerns. It was a deadening and a killing Letter that of the unfranked Proofs; more especially as it was totally superfluous, and must have been sent you by mistake alone.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Proofsheets

Jane Welsh Carlyle : Message about Aunt's death

'Your sad Messenger is just arrived. I had again been cherishing Hopes, when the day of Hope was clean gone. Compose yourself, my beloved Wife, and try to feel that the great Father is Good, and can do nothing wrong, inscrutable, and stern as his ways often seem to us.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter

Walter Scott : Journal (extracts)

'[Thomas] Carlyle saw Scott's greatness in the extracts from the Diary given by Lockhart. The stern critic rightly recalls the feelings and conduct evidenced by those extracts "tragical and beautiful"'.

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Basil Montagu : Thoughts on Laughter By a Chancery Barrister

'Assure Mr Montagu, that his Book was the most delightful I have read for many days. Your hand also was visible in it. Why does he not publish more such?'

Unknown

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle

Roger Ascham : ?'Toxophilus' and 'The Scholemaster'

'I have got old Ascham, and read a little of him, when I have done work, every evening.'

Unknown

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle

Sir William Hamilton : Review of Victor Cousin's 'Cours de Philosophie' (Paris, 1828) in Edinburgh Review, XCIV (OCt 1829), 194-221

'Did you read Sir W Hamilton on Cousin's Metaphysics in the last Edinburgh Review? And what inferences are we to draw from it? Pity that Sir W. had not the gift of delivery! He has real knowledge on those matters; but all unsorted, and tumbled topsy-turvy like a "bankrupt stock."'

Unknown

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Schiller & Goethe : Correspondence

'I have read the Briefechsel, a second time, with no little satisfaction; and even today am sending off an Essay on Schiller, grounded on that work, for the Foreign Review.'

Unknown

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

John A. Carlyle : 'Animal Magnetism'

'I have read your Anim. Magnetism, and think it among the best in the Number; worthy indeed of a far better place. I durst bet, the Blacks have not paid you yet: they are among the worst payers in existence.'

Unknown

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Friedrich Henrich von der Hagen : Literarischer Grundriss zur Geschichte der deutschen Poesie von der altesten Zeit, bis in das sechzhnte Jarhrundert

'Do you know Doven's and Hagen's Hist. of German Poetry? I have seen it in the Edinr College Library, but read only a few pages of it.'

Unknown

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

Patrick Fraser Tytler : History of Scotland

'I am much obliged to you for Tytler, which I have read with pleasure and not without profit: it is a smooth, easy Book; seems well-founded, accurate, authentic; and without pretending to be a classical History, may well enjoy several years of extensive popularity. I shall be very glad to see the First and all the other Volumes, when they appear.'

Unknown

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

: The Examiner

'The Examiner comes with perfect regularity; and tho' a week old is a great blessing. Continue it, if you can. Nay, if it came on Saturday (that is half a week old) this were perhaps the best of all arrangements.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

John A. Carlyle : Review of Sir Walter Scott's 'Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft, II'

'[I] read your Demonology and a Paper on St J. Long, the only thing by you in that [al]most quite despicable Magazine.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

John A. Carlyle : 'Some passages from the Diary of the late Mr St John Long'

'[I] read your Demonology and a Paper on St J. Long, the only thing by you in that [al]most quite despicable Magazine.'

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Robert Story : The Poetical Works Of Robert Story

'Dear Sir,—I have received your beautiful volume, probably the finest bit of typography that ever came before me; and have looked over it with interest and pleasure—certainly with hearty good will to the amiable and worthy brother-man who sketches out in that manner his pilgrimage through this confused world, alongside me. A certain rustic vigour of life, breezy freshness, as of the Cheviot hills; a kindly healthiness of soul breathes every where out of the book. No one that reads it, I should think, but will feel himself better for its influences. I can honestly wish success to it; and to its author, peace and comfort for the days and years that remain. With many thanks and regards, I remain, yours sincerely. T. CARLYLE.'

the experience of reading in Britain, from 1450 to 1945...

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Thomas Carlyle

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Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: BookManuscript: Letter

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

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Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: BookManuscript: Letter

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Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical

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Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

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Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Sheet, Handwritten copy of Carlyle's own text

Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book

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Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter

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Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Unknown