Sartor Resartus · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Sartor Resartus by Thomas Carlyle.

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Chapter 1
Book I
The Editor introduces the mysterious figure of Diogenes Teufelsdröckh and his philosophical work, 'Sartor Resartus,' which explores the philosophy of clothes. The Editor describes his initial confusion and eventual fascination with Teufelsdröckh's ideas, and receives biographical documents from Hofrath Heuschrecke to help understand the philosopher's life.
Chapter 2
I: Preliminary
The Editor introduces the surprising lack of a fundamental philosophy of clothes, despite the advanced state of science and culture. He praises German thought for taking up this neglected subject, specifically through the new book 'Clothes, their Origin and Influence' by Professor Teufelsdröckh of Weissnichtwo, and reflects on the Editor's own role in bringing this work to an English audience.
Chapter 3
II: Editorial Difficulties
The Editor describes the arrival of Professor Teufelsdröckh's book on the Philosophy of Clothes, an extensive and formless volume that reveals a new branch of philosophy and a unique human individuality. Facing difficulties in publishing the work in existing journals due to its controversial nature and lack of biographical documents, the Editor is at an impasse until a letter from Herr Hofrath Heuschrecke offers to supply the necessary documents for a biography. This crystallizes the Editor's plan to produce 'Sartor Resartus', a work intended to defend ancestral institutions against innovation while presenting the philosophy and life of Teufelsdröckh.
Chapter 4
III: Reminiscences
The Editor reflects on his acquaintance with Professor Teufelsdröckh, describing his quiet, self-contained life in Weissnichtwo, his unexpected publication on clothes, and his enigmatic character. He recalls Teufelsdröckh's toast to 'The Cause of the Poor' at the Grüne Gans coffeehouse, and notes the difficulty of gathering biographical data about him, as he remains a mysterious figure with no known parentage or history.
Chapter 5
IV: Characteristics
The Editor offers a critical yet appreciative assessment of Teufelsdröckh's work on clothes, acknowledging its genius alongside its flaws—prolixity, lack of arrangement, and rustic style. He reflects on Teufelsdröckh's unique perspective, his transcendental philosophy, and his enigmatic character, culminating in a rare anecdote of the Professor's laughter at a remark by Jean Paul.

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Book I

I: Preliminary

II: Editorial Difficulties

III: Reminiscences

IV: Characteristics