First written and published in 1837, Carlyle initially was asked to write this account by his overworked friend John Stuart Mill. Taking the commission to heart, Carlyle proceeded to write a historical masterpiece, combining a scrupulous consideration for facts with a unique style of writing. Rather than a detached account of this turbulent time, Carlyle uses poetic prose that makes readers feel almost as though they are participants in the riots, public executions, and general feelings of tumult and instability in the late 1700s. "The French Revolution" brings to life, with its insights and story-telling quality, this period of French history to such great effect that it strongly influenced Charles Dickens as he wrote "A Tale of Two Cities," Mark Twain, and many of Carlyle's other contemporaries. Continuously in print since its initial reception, Carlyle's work is still considered a standard work on the subject of the French Revolution today.
