ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at Alexander and Mary's correspondence with Charles Eliot Norton, editor of many volumes of Carlyle's letters and coeditor with Mary of the Reminiscences. Norton's exchanges are in the same spirit. Much later, as he was editing his series of Carlyle's letters, he writes to Mary that his selection was first governed by the wish to give a clear account of her Uncle's life and work, and then 'to give his descriptions of notable friends and acquaintances' and 'remarks on public events'. It may be difficult to convey this aspect of their friendship, because there is something almost ridiculous in love- or loving-letters. The friendships with Lady Ashburton and John Forster are typical of the later Carlyle's other relationships. And they certainly explain the dismay felt by many who knew him when the official biography appeared, which encouraged readers to see Carlyle's life and work coincide.
