Lot 228
  • 228

CARLYLE, THOMAS. AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED, TO GEORGE HENRY LEWES

Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 USD
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Description

  • Unpublished autograph letter signed, to George Henry Lewes, the English philosopher and literary critic, and partner of George Eliot, discussing difficulties in writing  
3 pages on one folded sheet (9 x 7 in.; 228 x 178 mm). Black ink on paper, with "The Grange Alresford" embossed at top, dated "16 Jan'y, 1861" and signed by Carlyle ("T. Carlyle"); minor soiling.  

Catalogue Note

"I have continued, up to this date, the most solitary of all the Sons of Adam" A fantastically candid letter from Thomas Carlyle to George Henry Lewes.  At the time this correspondence was composed, Carlyle was most likely working on his History of Friedrich II of Prussia, which totalled five volumes, and was published between 1858-1865. Carlyle explains to his friend that his thoughts have been occupied by "Nightmares, Prussian Gorgons, and Dirt-Monsters (with a most small sprinkling of Printer's Devils as outcome)", and these have been his sole companions. 

Carlyle also makes references to "an Eastwind howling (evidently towards snow), and temperature equal to that of Labrador," and signs his letter thus: "Yours sincerely (in spite of weather), T Carlyle".