<p>Thomas Carlyle's 'Life of John Sterling' is a poignant exploration of the life and character of his friend and fellow author, set against the vivid backdrop of Victorian intellectual society. Carlyle's narrative, rich in eloquence and rife with his particular brand of moral seriousness, straddles the line between biography and hagiography. This work situates itself in a literary tradition that celebrates the virtues of its subject while also s...