It was during his residence at Craigenputtoch that “Sartor Resartus” ("The Tailor Done Over,” the name of an old Scotch ballad) was written, which, after being rejected by several publishers, finally made its appearance in “Eraser’s Magazine,” 1833—­34.  The book, it must be confessed, might well have puzzled the critical gentlemen—­the “book-tasters”—­who decide for publishers what work to print among those submitted in manuscript.  It is a sort of philosophical romance, in which the author undertakes to give, in the form of a review of a German work on dress, and in a notice of the life of the writer, his own opinions upon matters and things in general.  The hero, Professor Teufelsdroeckh ("Devil’s Dirt"), seems to be intended for a portrait of human nature as affected by the moral influence to which a cultivated mind would be exposed by the transcendental philosophy of Fichte.  Mr. Carlyle works out his theory—­the clothes philosophy—­and finds the world false and hollow, our institutions mere worn-out rags or disguises, and that our only safety lies in flying from falsehood to truth, and becoming in harmony with the “divine idea.”  There is much fanciful, grotesque description in “Sartor,” with deep thought and beautiful imagery.  “In this book,” wrote John Sterling, “we always feel that there is a mystic influence around us, bringing out into sharp homely clearness what is noblest in the remote and infinite, exalting into wonder what is commonest in the dust and toil of every day.”

“Sartor” found but few admirers; those readers, however, were firm and enthusiastic in their applause.  In 1838 the “Sartor Resartus” papers, already republished in the United States, were issued in a collected form here; and in 1839-1840 his various scattered articles in periodicals, after having similarly received the honour of republication in America, were published here, first in four and afterwards in five volumes, under the title of “Miscellanies.”

It was in the spring of 1837 that Carlyle’s first great historical work appeared, “The French Revolution:—­Vol.  I., The Bastile; Vol.  II, The Constitution; Vol.  III., The Guillotine.”  The publication of this book produced a profound impression on the public mind.  A history abounding in vivid and graphic descriptions, it was at the same time a gorgeous “prose epic.”  It is perhaps the most readable of all Carlyle’s works, and indeed is one of the most remarkable books of the age.  There is no other account of the French Revolution that can be compared with it for intensity of feeling and profoundness of thought.

A great deal of information respecting Carlyle’s manner of living and personal history during these earlier years in London may be gleaned incidentally from his “Life of John Sterling,” a book, which, from the nature of it, is necessarily partly autobiographical.

Thomas Moore and others met him sometimes in London society at this time.  Moore thus briefly chronicles a breakfast at Lord Houghton’s, at which Carlyle was present:—­