Publisher's Synopsis
1903. The publication by Froude of Carlyle's Reminiscences and his own biography started a controversy that was to continue for many years in a series of writings arguing both sides. Central to the debate was the question of the veracity of Froude's facts and his assertion that Carlyle had never consummated his marriage. This volume was written by Crichton-Browne, one of the first psychiatrists to set up research in a mental hospital, publishing annual West Riding Lunatic Asylum Reports, Edited Brain. He knew Carlyle in old age and became a Widmerpool-like figure in his many volumes of Victorian jottings. And, Alexander Carlyle, who was the nephew of Thomas. He edited new letters and memorials of JWC in 1904. He married Mary Aitken, Carlyle's niece in 1879, and lived with her and Carlyle at Cheyne Row until Carlyle's death. Carlyle published several volumes of Carlyle correspondence. He was vindictive and hostile to Froude and it is said he suppressed evidence, and refused other scholars access to manuscripts.
