Thomas Carlyle was a Scottish philosopher, satirical writer, essayist, historian, and teacher considered one of the most important social commentators of his time. Born in 1795 in Scotland, Carlyle became known for his works on a wide range of subjects including history, socio-political issues, and economics. His most famous works include 'Sartor Resartus' and 'The French Revolution: A History.' Carlyle's writing style was known for its unconventional and expressive language, which greatly influenced Victorian literature and thought.