Thomas Carlyle was a Scottish philosopher, satirical writer, essayist, historian, and teacher during the Victorian era. He is known for his influential works on history, literature, and social commentary. Carlyle's writing often focused on the impact of great individuals on history and the importance of moral values in society. His most famous works include "The French Revolution: A History" and "On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History." Carlyle's writing style and ideas had a significant impact on the development of modern historiography and social thought.