Originally published in 1892. preface: the "diamond necklace" has been selected for annotation in preference to the more commonly read essays for several reasons. it presents specimens of all of carlyle's varied styles: essays, narrative, dramatic, and descriptive. it is, in miniature, a work of the same character as the "french revolution," carlyle's most artistic production, and has all the peculiarities, both faulty and beautiful, of that work. it is short and interesting, and experience with it in the class room has demonstrated the advantages of studying it.... many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900's and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. we are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.