Phaenomenon of the Reformation to an unusual degree, in fact has
great merit of many kinds, historical among the rest. But it seems
to me (1) to be more of a Dissertation than a Narrative; to want
dates, specific details, outline of every kind. (2) The management
might surely be mended? It does not "begin at the beginning" (which
indeed is the most difficult of all things, but also the most
indispensable); the story is not clear; or rather, as hinted above,
there is no story, but an explanation of some story supposed to be
already known, which is contrary to rule in writing 'History.' On
the whole, the Author seems to have such a conception of the subject
as were well worth a better setting forth; and if this is all he has
yet written of his Book, I could almost advise him to start afresh,
and remodel all this second chapter. This is a high demand; but the
excellence attainable by him seems also high. The rule throughout
is, that events should speak. Commentary ought to be sparing; clear
insight, definite conviction, brought about with a minimum of
Commentary; that is always the Art of History. Alter or not,
however, there is such a generous breadth of intelligence, of manly
sympathy, sound judgment, and in general of luminous solidity,
promised in this Book, that I will gladly read it, however it be put
together. Would it not be better to specify a little what Martin
Luther is about, and keep up a chronological intercourse, more or
less strict, with the great Continental ocean of Reform, the better
to understand the tides from it that ebb and flow in these Narrow
Seas? Some notice of Wiclif too I expected in some form or other.
Once more, Go on and prosper!"

The notice of Wycliffe does seem a rather unreasonable expectation,
and a history of England loses identity if it becomes a history of
Europe. But Carlyle's principles, whether he always acted upon them