Latter-Day Pamphlets

by Thomas Carlyle

Overview

Thomas Carlyle wrote a series of writings titled "Latter-Day Pamphlets" that discuss numerous social and political topics in Victorian England. The present-day topic of the first essay, "The Present Time," is society's moral and spiritual deterioration. According to Carlyle, people have lost touch with higher principles and are instead preoccupied with worldly success and individuality, which has created an atmosphere of confusion and discord. The second article, "Model Prisons," critiques the English penal system, which, according to Carlyle, fails to rehabilitate offenders and instead makes them into jaded criminals. Carlyle analyses the shortcomings of the British government in "Downing Street," specifically its corruption and bureaucracy. The collection also includes writings on subjects including education, slavery, and the Irish Famine. Carlyle focuses on the value of morals and spirituality in society throughout the pamphlets and critiques the excesses of industrialization and capitalism. Carlyle calls for a return to old values and a more moral and spiritual approach to social and political concerns in "Latter-Day Pamphlets," which is essentially a criticism of Victorian society and its institutions.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940000746530
Publisher:	B&R Samizdat Express
Publication date:	09/01/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	463 KB

About the Author

Thomas Carlyle was a Scottish essayist, historian, and philosopher who lived from 4 December 1795 to 5 February 1881. Carlyle learned to read from his mother, and arithmetic from his father. Carlyle travelled 100 miles from his home in November 1809, when he was about 14 years old, to attend the University of Edinburgh. John Leslie taught him mathematics, and John Playfair taught him science. He finished his studies in the arts in 1813 and enrolled in a theology study. In addition to founding the London Library, he made a substantial contribution to the National Portrait Galleries' establishment. Victorian literature was significantly affected by Carlyle's inventive writing style. He proposed the Great Man theory, a historical theory that holds that notable people have affected history. His "noble Chivalry of Work" political theory is characterised by medievalism. Carlyle heard abruptly of his wife's unexpected death while still in Scotland. He wrote memoirs of William Wordsworth, Robert Southey, Irving, and Jeffrey.His niece Mary, who served as his amanuensis, overheard him say his last words: "So this is Death-well."