CARLYLE (Thomas, 1795-1881, Historian)

Autograph reply written on the last page of a letter to him from George MANNERS in which he has asked Carlyle a favour, he explains that he presumes "you to be a German Scholar, and as I am ambitious enough to hope to become one I venture to ask you if you will so far oblige me as to give me a list of the books most likely to facilitate the study of the language ... I have an intense desire to understand Goethe & Schiller in their own language ..." Carlyle has listed a German Grammar and a Dictionary but says "(they, or almost any two such books, that are handiest), Lessing's Fabels (to attempt reading) - push along, with energy, with constancy, keeping your eyes well open ...", 4 lines by Carlyle on the final sheet of 4 sides 8vo., London, 25th October

Gotthold Ephraim LESSING (1729-1781) was a German writer, philosopher, dramatist, publicist and art critic, and one of the most outstanding representatives of the Enlightenment era. His plays and theoretical writings substantially influenced the development of German literature.

Item Date:  1838

Stock No:  40094      £175

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