Thomas Carlyle (1795 - 1881) was a Sottish philosopher, satirical writer, historian, teacher and essayist. He is best known for his book "The French Revolution: A History " which is said to be the inspiration for Charles Dickens' novel, "A Tale of Two Cities."
"An Essay on Burns" contains Carlyle's analysis of selected Robert Burns poems, including such classics as "To a Mouse" and "To a Mountain Daisy."