Sartor Resartus, and · Thomas Carlyle
I. HIGHEST CLASS, BOOKSELLER'S TASTER
_Taster to Bookseller._--"The Author of _Teufelsdröckh_ is a person of talent; his work displays here and there some felicity of thought and expression, considerable fancy and knowledge: but whether or not it would take with the public seems doubtful. For a _jeu d'esprit_ of that kind it is too long; it would have suited better as an essay or article than as a volume. The Author has no great tact; his wit is frequently heavy; and reminds one of the German Baron who took to leaping on tables, and answered that he was learning to be lively. _Is_ the work a translation?" _Bookseller to Editor._--"Allow me to say that such a writer requires only a little more tact to produce a popular as well as an able work. Directly on receiving your permission, I sent your _MS._ to a gentleman in the highest class of men of letters, and an accomplished German scholar: I now inclose you his opinion, which, you may rely upon it, is a just one; and I have too high an opinion of your good sense to" &c. &c.--_MS._ (_penes nos_), _London, 17th September 1831_.
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