The Scottish essayist, historian, philosopher and leading writer of the Victorian era, Thomas Carlyle pens the collection of sketches "On the Choice of Books". The novel also contains his biography and background to his various literary works. Notable among them his sketches on famous personalities William Pitt, Sir William Hamilton, Frederick the Great and Necker. Also included is his address to the students of Edinburgh University in 1866 upon being appointed to the office of Lord Rector of the University and his farewell letter at his retirement.