The New Crusade, 24 Jul 2008
'Tancred or the New Crusade' is the third book in Disraeli's trilogy of 'political' novels and was published in 1847 (the other two works in the trilogy are 'Coningsby' and 'Sybil').

Tancred, Lord Montacute, is the son of the respectable Duke of Bellamont. Upon coming of age Tancred, having thought much about the social and religious questions of the day, startles his parents by refusing a seat in Parliament. Instead, he decides to visit the Holy Land and hopes that there he will discover God's purpose for him.

In the Middle East, Tancred travels to Jerusalem and Sinai among other destinations, becomes involved in intriques, adventures and falls in love.

This book is not an easy read and, as a work of fiction, it is the least successful of Disraeli's political novels. However, for those interested in Disraeli and Victorian politics, it offers a further insight into Disraelian ideas. Of interest are his working out of the idea of 'theocratic equality'; the place of Jews in society and the direction in which the elites of Britain should lead society.

The New Crusade, 24 Jul 2008
'Tancred or the New Crusade' is the third book in Disraeli's trilogy of 'political' novels and was published in 1847 (the other two works in the trilogy are 'Coningsby' and 'Sybil').

Tancred, Lord Montacute, is the son of the respectable Duke of Bellamont. Upon coming of age Tancred, having thought much about the social and religious questions of the day, startles his parents by refusing a seat in Parliament. Instead, he decides to visit the Holy Land and hopes that there he will discover God's purpose for him.

In the Middle East, Tancred travels to Jerusalem and Sinai among other destinations, becomes involved in intriques, adventures and falls in love.

This book is not an easy read and, as a work of fiction, it is the least successful of Disraeli's political novels. However, for those interested in Disraeli and Victorian politics, it offers a further insight into Disraelian ideas. Of interest are his working out of the idea of 'theocratic equality'; the place of Jews in society and the direction in which the elites of Britain should lead society.

An insight into Disraeli, 23 Jul 2008
Coningsby was published in 1844 and was the first in Disraeli's trilogy of 'political' novels (the others being Sybil and Tancred).

The story revolves around the ealy life of Harry Coningsby. Harry is the orphaned grandson of the Marquess of Monmouth, but Harry's parents incurred the wrath of Monmouth by their marriage. Harry is restored to his granfather's favour and sent to school at Eton. The story follows Harry's career at Eton and Cambridge. While at Eton, Harry saves the life of Oswald Millbank - the son of a northern industrialist. This commences a friendship between Oswald and Harry and leads Harry to fall in love with Oswald's sister, Edith.

In recent years, some historians have dismissed Disrael's political novels as a source for Disrael's creed. This notion can hardly be supported. The story of Harry Coningsby's early life as readable, but it is Disraeli's political critique which makes 'Coningsby' a fascinating read for those interested in Victorian politics.

'Coningsby' is firmly set against the political backround of the years between the passing of the Reform Bill of 1832 (which widened the voting franchise) and the fall of Lord Melbourne's Whig ministry in 1841. Disraeli comments and expounds political views throughout the novel, although generally placing his views in the mouths of one or other of the novel's characters.

In 'Coningsby', we find a critigue of the Toryism of Peel (which Disraeli perceived to be unprincipled), utilitarianism and the Whigs. In the end, Disraeli seems to suggest that there can be a unity of interest between traditional landed elites and the new 'millocracy' through some form of Tory Paternalism.



An Interesting, But Dated, Political-Romantic Novel, 04 Sep 2002
Coningsby is an interesting political-romantic novel set in early nineteenth century England. In much of the first part of the book, Disreali introduces the main characters and the political and social background against which the action in the later parts of the book will be played. In this book Disraeli covers several topics. He explains the state of parliamentary politics of the day and the changing social and political situations of the nobility and the rising manufacturing class. As the title character, Coningsby, develops his political philosophy, Disraeli gives an insight into his own core political beliefs. Through Sidonia, one of his main characters, Disreali makes a pitch for the rights of Jews, a group to which Disraeli is linked by consangunity, though not be religion. To make it all entertaining, Disraeli takes Coningsby and his lover through a long and chaste romantic quest, in which they finally overcome the obstacles placed in their way by their families. The book, ultimately, provides a triumph of love over hatred and pettiness. The strong points of this book are its pleasant story line and the ability to tell a romantic and political tale without including the moral failings, without which so many modern authors seem incapable of expressing themselves. The weak points are found in its age and storybook ending. The repeated references to so many details of political life of his day and the simililarities of characters to prominent people, which may have been amusing to the readers of his day, are lost on most contemporary readers. The ending, in which all the injustices inflicted on Coningsby by petty people around him are reversed through acts of self-sacrifice which set the world right, introduces a sense of fantasy which makes the book seem just a bit too much to believe. Overall this book is a worthwhile read

The New Crusade, 24 Jul 2008
'Tancred or the New Crusade' is the third book in Disraeli's trilogy of 'political' novels and was published in 1847 (the other two works in the trilogy are 'Coningsby' and 'Sybil').

Tancred, Lord Montacute, is the son of the respectable Duke of Bellamont. Upon coming of age Tancred, having thought much about the social and religious questions of the day, startles his parents by refusing a seat in Parliament. Instead, he decides to visit the Holy Land and hopes that there he will discover God's purpose for him.

In the Middle East, Tancred travels to Jerusalem and Sinai among other destinations, becomes involved in intriques, adventures and falls in love.

This book is not an easy read and, as a work of fiction, it is the least successful of Disraeli's political novels. However, for those interested in Disraeli and Victorian politics, it offers a further insight into Disraelian ideas. Of interest are his working out of the idea of 'theocratic equality'; the place of Jews in society and the direction in which the elites of Britain should lead society.

An insight into Disraeli, 23 Jul 2008
Coningsby was published in 1844 and was the first in Disraeli's trilogy of 'political' novels (the others being Sybil and Tancred).

The story revolves around the ealy life of Harry Coningsby. Harry is the orphaned grandson of the Marquess of Monmouth, but Harry's parents incurred the wrath of Monmouth by their marriage. Harry is restored to his granfather's favour and sent to school at Eton. The story follows Harry's career at Eton and Cambridge. While at Eton, Harry saves the life of Oswald Millbank - the son of a northern industrialist. This commences a friendship between Oswald and Harry and leads Harry to fall in love with Oswald's sister, Edith.

In recent years, some historians have dismissed Disrael's political novels as a source for Disrael's creed. This notion can hardly be supported. The story of Harry Coningsby's early life as readable, but it is Disraeli's political critique which makes 'Coningsby' a fascinating read for those interested in Victorian politics.

'Coningsby' is firmly set against the political backround of the years between the passing of the Reform Bill of 1832 (which widened the voting franchise) and the fall of Lord Melbourne's Whig ministry in 1841. Disraeli comments and expounds political views throughout the novel, although generally placing his views in the mouths of one or other of the novel's characters.

In 'Coningsby', we find a critigue of the Toryism of Peel (which Disraeli perceived to be unprincipled), utilitarianism and the Whigs. In the end, Disraeli seems to suggest that there can be a unity of interest between traditional landed elites and the new 'millocracy' through some form of Tory Paternalism.



An Interesting, But Dated, Political-Romantic Novel, 04 Sep 2002
Coningsby is an interesting political-romantic novel set in early nineteenth century England. In much of the first part of the book, Disreali introduces the main characters and the political and social background against which the action in the later parts of the book will be played. In this book Disraeli covers several topics. He explains the state of parliamentary politics of the day and the changing social and political situations of the nobility and the rising manufacturing class. As the title character, Coningsby, develops his political philosophy, Disraeli gives an insight into his own core political beliefs. Through Sidonia, one of his main characters, Disreali makes a pitch for the rights of Jews, a group to which Disraeli is linked by consangunity, though not be religion. To make it all entertaining, Disraeli takes Coningsby and his lover through a long and chaste romantic quest, in which they finally overcome the obstacles placed in their way by their families. The book, ultimately, provides a triumph of love over hatred and pettiness. The strong points of this book are its pleasant story line and the ability to tell a romantic and political tale without including the moral failings, without which so many modern authors seem incapable of expressing themselves. The weak points are found in its age and storybook ending. The repeated references to so many details of political life of his day and the simililarities of characters to prominent people, which may have been amusing to the readers of his day, are lost on most contemporary readers. The ending, in which all the injustices inflicted on Coningsby by petty people around him are reversed through acts of self-sacrifice which set the world right, introduces a sense of fantasy which makes the book seem just a bit too much to believe. Overall this book is a worthwhile read

An insight into Disraeli, 23 Jul 2008
Coningsby was published in 1844 and was the first in Disraeli's trilogy of 'political' novels (the others being Sybil and Tancred).

The story revolves around the ealy life of Harry Coningsby. Harry is the orphaned grandson of the Marquess of Monmouth, but Harry's parents incurred the wrath of Monmouth by their marriage. Harry is restored to his granfather's favour and sent to school at Eton. The story follows Harry's career at Eton and Cambridge. While at Eton, Harry saves the life of Oswald Millbank - the son of a northern industrialist. This commences a friendship between Oswald and Harry and leads Harry to fall in love with Oswald's sister, Edith.

In recent years, some historians have dismissed Disrael's political novels as a source for Disrael's creed. This notion can hardly be supported. The story of Harry Coningsby's early life as readable, but it is Disraeli's political critique which makes 'Coningsby' a fascinating read for those interested in Victorian politics.

'Coningsby' is firmly set against the political backround of the years between the passing of the Reform Bill of 1832 (which widened the voting franchise) and the fall of Lord Melbourne's Whig ministry in 1841. Disraeli comments and expounds political views throughout the novel, although generally placing his views in the mouths of one or other of the novel's characters.

In 'Coningsby', we find a critigue of the Toryism of Peel (which Disraeli perceived to be unprincipled), utilitarianism and the Whigs. In the end, Disraeli seems to suggest that there can be a unity of interest between traditional landed elites and the new 'millocracy' through some form of Tory Paternalism.



An Interesting, But Dated, Political-Romantic Novel, 04 Sep 2002
Coningsby is an interesting political-romantic novel set in early nineteenth century England. In much of the first part of the book, Disreali introduces the main characters and the political and social background against which the action in the later parts of the book will be played. In this book Disraeli covers several topics. He explains the state of parliamentary politics of the day and the changing social and political situations of the nobility and the rising manufacturing class. As the title character, Coningsby, develops his political philosophy, Disraeli gives an insight into his own core political beliefs. Through Sidonia, one of his main characters, Disreali makes a pitch for the rights of Jews, a group to which Disraeli is linked by consangunity, though not be religion. To make it all entertaining, Disraeli takes Coningsby and his lover through a long and chaste romantic quest, in which they finally overcome the obstacles placed in their way by their families. The book, ultimately, provides a triumph of love over hatred and pettiness. The strong points of this book are its pleasant story line and the ability to tell a romantic and political tale without including the moral failings, without which so many modern authors seem incapable of expressing themselves. The weak points are found in its age and storybook ending. The repeated references to so many details of political life of his day and the simililarities of characters to prominent people, which may have been amusing to the readers of his day, are lost on most contemporary readers. The ending, in which all the injustices inflicted on Coningsby by petty people around him are reversed through acts of self-sacrifice which set the world right, introduces a sense of fantasy which makes the book seem just a bit too much to believe. Overall this book is a worthwhile read

The New Crusade, 24 Jul 2008
'Tancred or the New Crusade' is the third book in Disraeli's trilogy of 'political' novels and was published in 1847 (the other two works in the trilogy are 'Coningsby' and 'Sybil').

Tancred, Lord Montacute, is the son of the respectable Duke of Bellamont. Upon coming of age Tancred, having thought much about the social and religious questions of the day, startles his parents by refusing a seat in Parliament. Instead, he decides to visit the Holy Land and hopes that there he will discover God's purpose for him.

In the Middle East, Tancred travels to Jerusalem and Sinai among other destinations, becomes involved in intriques, adventures and falls in love.

This book is not an easy read and, as a work of fiction, it is the least successful of Disraeli's political novels. However, for those interested in Disraeli and Victorian politics, it offers a further insight into Disraelian ideas. Of interest are his working out of the idea of 'theocratic equality'; the place of Jews in society and the direction in which the elites of Britain should lead society.

An insight into Disraeli, 23 Jul 2008
Coningsby was published in 1844 and was the first in Disraeli's trilogy of 'political' novels (the others being Sybil and Tancred).

The story revolves around the ealy life of Harry Coningsby. Harry is the orphaned grandson of the Marquess of Monmouth, but Harry's parents incurred the wrath of Monmouth by their marriage. Harry is restored to his granfather's favour and sent to school at Eton. The story follows Harry's career at Eton and Cambridge. While at Eton, Harry saves the life of Oswald Millbank - the son of a northern industrialist. This commences a friendship between Oswald and Harry and leads Harry to fall in love with Oswald's sister, Edith.

In recent years, some historians have dismissed Disrael's political novels as a source for Disrael's creed. This notion can hardly be supported. The story of Harry Coningsby's early life as readable, but it is Disraeli's political critique which makes 'Coningsby' a fascinating read for those interested in Victorian politics.

'Coningsby' is firmly set against the political backround of the years between the passing of the Reform Bill of 1832 (which widened the voting franchise) and the fall of Lord Melbourne's Whig ministry in 1841. Disraeli comments and expounds political views throughout the novel, although generally placing his views in the mouths of one or other of the novel's characters.

In 'Coningsby', we find a critigue of the Toryism of Peel (which Disraeli perceived to be unprincipled), utilitarianism and the Whigs. In the end, Disraeli seems to suggest that there can be a unity of interest between traditional landed elites and the new 'millocracy' through some form of Tory Paternalism.



An Interesting, But Dated, Political-Romantic Novel, 04 Sep 2002
Coningsby is an interesting political-romantic novel set in early nineteenth century England. In much of the first part of the book, Disreali introduces the main characters and the political and social background against which the action in the later parts of the book will be played. In this book Disraeli covers several topics. He explains the state of parliamentary politics of the day and the changing social and political situations of the nobility and the rising manufacturing class. As the title character, Coningsby, develops his political philosophy, Disraeli gives an insight into his own core political beliefs. Through Sidonia, one of his main characters, Disreali makes a pitch for the rights of Jews, a group to which Disraeli is linked by consangunity, though not be religion. To make it all entertaining, Disraeli takes Coningsby and his lover through a long and chaste romantic quest, in which they finally overcome the obstacles placed in their way by their families. The book, ultimately, provides a triumph of love over hatred and pettiness. The strong points of this book are its pleasant story line and the ability to tell a romantic and political tale without including the moral failings, without which so many modern authors seem incapable of expressing themselves. The weak points are found in its age and storybook ending. The repeated references to so many details of political life of his day and the simililarities of characters to prominent people, which may have been amusing to the readers of his day, are lost on most contemporary readers. The ending, in which all the injustices inflicted on Coningsby by petty people around him are reversed through acts of self-sacrifice which set the world right, introduces a sense of fantasy which makes the book seem just a bit too much to believe. Overall this book is a worthwhile read

An insight into Disraeli, 23 Jul 2008
Coningsby was published in 1844 and was the first in Disraeli's trilogy of 'political' novels (the others being Sybil and Tancred).

The story revolves around the ealy life of Harry Coningsby. Harry is the orphaned grandson of the Marquess of Monmouth, but Harry's parents incurred the wrath of Monmouth by their marriage. Harry is restored to his granfather's favour and sent to school at Eton. The story follows Harry's career at Eton and Cambridge. While at Eton, Harry saves the life of Oswald Millbank - the son of a northern industrialist. This commences a friendship between Oswald and Harry and leads Harry to fall in love with Oswald's sister, Edith.

In recent years, some historians have dismissed Disrael's political novels as a source for Disrael's creed. This notion can hardly be supported. The story of Harry Coningsby's early life as readable, but it is Disraeli's political critique which makes 'Coningsby' a fascinating read for those interested in Victorian politics.

'Coningsby' is firmly set against the political backround of the years between the passing of the Reform Bill of 1832 (which widened the voting franchise) and the fall of Lord Melbourne's Whig ministry in 1841. Disraeli comments and expounds political views throughout the novel, although generally placing his views in the mouths of one or other of the novel's characters.

In 'Coningsby', we find a critigue of the Toryism of Peel (which Disraeli perceived to be unprincipled), utilitarianism and the Whigs. In the end, Disraeli seems to suggest that there can be a unity of interest between traditional landed elites and the new 'millocracy' through some form of Tory Paternalism.



An Interesting, But Dated, Political-Romantic Novel, 04 Sep 2002
Coningsby is an interesting political-romantic novel set in early nineteenth century England. In much of the first part of the book, Disreali introduces the main characters and the political and social background against which the action in the later parts of the book will be played. In this book Disraeli covers several topics. He explains the state of parliamentary politics of the day and the changing social and political situations of the nobility and the rising manufacturing class. As the title character, Coningsby, develops his political philosophy, Disraeli gives an insight into his own core political beliefs. Through Sidonia, one of his main characters, Disreali makes a pitch for the rights of Jews, a group to which Disraeli is linked by consangunity, though not be religion. To make it all entertaining, Disraeli takes Coningsby and his lover through a long and chaste romantic quest, in which they finally overcome the obstacles placed in their way by their families. The book, ultimately, provides a triumph of love over hatred and pettiness. The strong points of this book are its pleasant story line and the ability to tell a romantic and political tale without including the moral failings, without which so many modern authors seem incapable of expressing themselves. The weak points are found in its age and storybook ending. The repeated references to so many details of political life of his day and the simililarities of characters to prominent people, which may have been amusing to the readers of his day, are lost on most contemporary readers. The ending, in which all the injustices inflicted on Coningsby by petty people around him are reversed through acts of self-sacrifice which set the world right, introduces a sense of fantasy which makes the book seem just a bit too much to believe. Overall this book is a worthwhile read

An insight into Disraeli, 23 Jul 2008
Coningsby was published in 1844 and was the first in Disraeli's trilogy of 'political' novels (the others being Sybil and Tancred).

The story revolves around the ealy life of Harry Coningsby. Harry is the orphaned grandson of the Marquess of Monmouth, but Harry's parents incurred the wrath of Monmouth by their marriage. Harry is restored to his granfather's favour and sent to school at Eton. The story follows Harry's career at Eton and Cambridge. While at Eton, Harry saves the life of Oswald Millbank - the son of a northern industrialist. This commences a friendship between Oswald and Harry and leads Harry to fall in love with Oswald's sister, Edith.

In recent years, some historians have dismissed Disrael's political novels as a source for Disrael's creed. This notion can hardly be supported. The story of Harry Coningsby's early life as readable, but it is Disraeli's political critique which makes 'Coningsby' a fascinating read for those interested in Victorian politics.

'Coningsby' is firmly set against the political backround of the years between the passing of the Reform Bill of 1832 (which widened the voting franchise) and the fall of Lord Melbourne's Whig ministry in 1841. Disraeli comments and expounds political views throughout the novel, although generally placing his views in the mouths of one or other of the novel's characters.

In 'Coningsby', we find a critigue of the Toryism of Peel (which Disraeli perceived to be unprincipled), utilitarianism and the Whigs. In the end, Disraeli seems to suggest that there can be a unity of interest between traditional landed elites and the new 'millocracy' through some form of Tory Paternalism.



An Interesting, But Dated, Political-Romantic Novel, 04 Sep 2002
Coningsby is an interesting political-romantic novel set in early nineteenth century England. In much of the first part of the book, Disreali introduces the main characters and the political and social background against which the action in the later parts of the book will be played. In this book Disraeli covers several topics. He explains the state of parliamentary politics of the day and the changing social and political situations of the nobility and the rising manufacturing class. As the title character, Coningsby, develops his political philosophy, Disraeli gives an insight into his own core political beliefs. Through Sidonia, one of his main characters, Disreali makes a pitch for the rights of Jews, a group to which Disraeli is linked by consangunity, though not be religion. To make it all entertaining, Disraeli takes Coningsby and his lover through a long and chaste romantic quest, in which they finally overcome the obstacles placed in their way by their families. The book, ultimately, provides a triumph of love over hatred and pettiness. The strong points of this book are its pleasant story line and the ability to tell a romantic and political tale without including the moral failings, without which so many modern authors seem incapable of expressing themselves. The weak points are found in its age and storybook ending. The repeated references to so many details of political life of his day and the simililarities of characters to prominent people, which may have been amusing to the readers of his day, are lost on most contemporary readers. The ending, in which all the injustices inflicted on Coningsby by petty people around him are reversed through acts of self-sacrifice which set the world right, introduces a sense of fantasy which makes the book seem just a bit too much to believe. Overall this book is a worthwhile read

The New Crusade, 24 Jul 2008
'Tancred or the New Crusade' is the third book in Disraeli's trilogy of 'political' novels and was published in 1847 (the other two works in the trilogy are 'Coningsby' and 'Sybil').

Tancred, Lord Montacute, is the son of the respectable Duke of Bellamont. Upon coming of age Tancred, having thought much about the social and religious questions of the day, startles his parents by refusing a seat in Parliament. Instead, he decides to visit the Holy Land and hopes that there he will discover God's purpose for him.

In the Middle East, Tancred travels to Jerusalem and Sinai among other destinations, becomes involved in intriques, adventures and falls in love.

This book is not an easy read and, as a work of fiction, it is the least successful of Disraeli's political novels. However, for those interested in Disraeli and Victorian politics, it offers a further insight into Disraelian ideas. Of interest are his working out of the idea of 'theocratic equality'; the place of Jews in society and the direction in which the elites of Britain should lead society.

An insight into Disraeli, 23 Jul 2008
Coningsby was published in 1844 and was the first in Disraeli's trilogy of 'political' novels (the others being Sybil and Tancred).

The story revolves around the ealy life of Harry Coningsby. Harry is the orphaned grandson of the Marquess of Monmouth, but Harry's parents incurred the wrath of Monmouth by their marriage. Harry is restored to his granfather's favour and sent to school at Eton. The story follows Harry's career at Eton and Cambridge. While at Eton, Harry saves the life of Oswald Millbank - the son of a northern industrialist. This commences a friendship between Oswald and Harry and leads Harry to fall in love with Oswald's sister, Edith.

In recent years, some historians have dismissed Disrael's political novels as a source for Disrael's creed. This notion can hardly be supported. The story of Harry Coningsby's early life as readable, but it is Disraeli's political critique which makes 'Coningsby' a fascinating read for those interested in Victorian politics.

'Coningsby' is firmly set against the political backround of the years between the passing of the Reform Bill of 1832 (which widened the voting franchise) and the fall of Lord Melbourne's Whig ministry in 1841. Disraeli comments and expounds political views throughout the novel, although generally placing his views in the mouths of one or other of the novel's characters.

In 'Coningsby', we find a critigue of the Toryism of Peel (which Disraeli perceived to be unprincipled), utilitarianism and the Whigs. In the end, Disraeli seems to suggest that there can be a unity of interest between traditional landed elites and the new 'millocracy' through some form of Tory Paternalism.



An Interesting, But Dated, Political-Romantic Novel, 04 Sep 2002
Coningsby is an interesting political-romantic novel set in early nineteenth century England. In much of the first part of the book, Disreali introduces the main characters and the political and social background against which the action in the later parts of the book will be played. In this book Disraeli covers several topics. He explains the state of parliamentary politics of the day and the changing social and political situations of the nobility and the rising manufacturing class. As the title character, Coningsby, develops his political philosophy, Disraeli gives an insight into his own core political beliefs. Through Sidonia, one of his main characters, Disreali makes a pitch for the rights of Jews, a group to which Disraeli is linked by consangunity, though not be religion. To make it all entertaining, Disraeli takes Coningsby and his lover through a long and chaste romantic quest, in which they finally overcome the obstacles placed in their way by their families. The book, ultimately, provides a triumph of love over hatred and pettiness. The strong points of this book are its pleasant story line and the ability to tell a romantic and political tale without including the moral failings, without which so many modern authors seem incapable of expressing themselves. The weak points are found in its age and storybook ending. The repeated references to so many details of political life of his day and the simililarities of characters to prominent people, which may have been amusing to the readers of his day, are lost on most contemporary readers. The ending, in which all the injustices inflicted on Coningsby by petty people around him are reversed through acts of self-sacrifice which set the world right, introduces a sense of fantasy which makes the book seem just a bit too much to believe. Overall this book is a worthwhile read

An insight into Disraeli, 23 Jul 2008
Coningsby was published in 1844 and was the first in Disraeli's trilogy of 'political' novels (the others being Sybil and Tancred).

The story revolves around the ealy life of Harry Coningsby. Harry is the orphaned grandson of the Marquess of Monmouth, but Harry's parents incurred the wrath of Monmouth by their marriage. Harry is restored to his granfather's favour and sent to school at Eton. The story follows Harry's career at Eton and Cambridge. While at Eton, Harry saves the life of Oswald Millbank - the son of a northern industrialist. This commences a friendship between Oswald and Harry and leads Harry to fall in love with Oswald's sister, Edith.

In recent years, some historians have dismissed Disrael's political novels as a source for Disrael's creed. This notion can hardly be supported. The story of Harry Coningsby's early life as readable, but it is Disraeli's political critique which makes 'Coningsby' a fascinating read for those interested in Victorian politics.

'Coningsby' is firmly set against the political backround of the years between the passing of the Reform Bill of 1832 (which widened the voting franchise) and the fall of Lord Melbourne's Whig ministry in 1841. Disraeli comments and expounds political views throughout the novel, although generally placing his views in the mouths of one or other of the novel's characters.

In 'Coningsby', we find a critigue of the Toryism of Peel (which Disraeli perceived to be unprincipled), utilitarianism and the Whigs. In the end, Disraeli seems to suggest that there can be a unity of interest between traditional landed elites and the new 'millocracy' through some form of Tory Paternalism.



An Interesting, But Dated, Political-Romantic Novel, 04 Sep 2002
Coningsby is an interesting political-romantic novel set in early nineteenth century England. In much of the first part of the book, Disreali introduces the main characters and the political and social background against which the action in the later parts of the book will be played. In this book Disraeli covers several topics. He explains the state of parliamentary politics of the day and the changing social and political situations of the nobility and the rising manufacturing class. As the title character, Coningsby, develops his political philosophy, Disraeli gives an insight into his own core political beliefs. Through Sidonia, one of his main characters, Disreali makes a pitch for the rights of Jews, a group to which Disraeli is linked by consangunity, though not be religion. To make it all entertaining, Disraeli takes Coningsby and his lover through a long and chaste romantic quest, in which they finally overcome the obstacles placed in their way by their families. The book, ultimately, provides a triumph of love over hatred and pettiness. The strong points of this book are its pleasant story line and the ability to tell a romantic and political tale without including the moral failings, without which so many modern authors seem incapable of expressing themselves. The weak points are found in its age and storybook ending. The repeated references to so many details of political life of his day and the simililarities of characters to prominent people, which may have been amusing to the readers of his day, are lost on most contemporary readers. The ending, in which all the injustices inflicted on Coningsby by petty people around him are reversed through acts of self-sacrifice which set the world right, introduces a sense of fantasy which makes the book seem just a bit too much to believe. Overall this book is a worthwhile read

An insight into Disraeli, 23 Jul 2008
Coningsby was published in 1844 and was the first in Disraeli's trilogy of 'political' novels (the others being Sybil and Tancred).

The story revolves around the ealy life of Harry Coningsby. Harry is the orphaned grandson of the Marquess of Monmouth, but Harry's parents incurred the wrath of Monmouth by their marriage. Harry is restored to his granfather's favour and sent to school at Eton. The story follows Harry's career at Eton and Cambridge. While at Eton, Harry saves the life of Oswald Millbank - the son of a northern industrialist. This commences a friendship between Oswald and Harry and leads Harry to fall in love with Oswald's sister, Edith.

In recent years, some historians have dismissed Disrael's political novels as a source for Disrael's creed. This notion can hardly be supported. The story of Harry Coningsby's early life as readable, but it is Disraeli's political critique which makes 'Coningsby' a fascinating read for those interested in Victorian politics.

'Coningsby' is firmly set against the political backround of the years between the passing of the Reform Bill of 1832 (which widened the voting franchise) and the fall of Lord Melbourne's Whig ministry in 1841. Disraeli comments and expounds political views throughout the novel, although generally placing his views in the mouths of one or other of the novel's characters.

In 'Coningsby', we find a critigue of the Toryism of Peel (which Disraeli perceived to be unprincipled), utilitarianism and the Whigs. In the end, Disraeli seems to suggest that there can be a unity of interest between traditional landed elites and the new 'millocracy' through some form of Tory Paternalism.



An Interesting, But Dated, Political-Romantic Novel, 04 Sep 2002
Coningsby is an interesting political-romantic novel set in early nineteenth century England. In much of the first part of the book, Disreali introduces the main characters and the political and social background against which the action in the later parts of the book will be played. In this book Disraeli covers several topics. He explains the state of parliamentary politics of the day and the changing social and political situations of the nobility and the rising manufacturing class. As the title character, Coningsby, develops his political philosophy, Disraeli gives an insight into his own core political beliefs. Through Sidonia, one of his main characters, Disreali makes a pitch for the rights of Jews, a group to which Disraeli is linked by consangunity, though not be religion. To make it all entertaining, Disraeli takes Coningsby and his lover through a long and chaste romantic quest, in which they finally overcome the obstacles placed in their way by their families. The book, ultimately, provides a triumph of love over hatred and pettiness. The strong points of this book are its pleasant story line and the ability to tell a romantic and political tale without including the moral failings, without which so many modern authors seem incapable of expressing themselves. The weak points are found in its age and storybook ending. The repeated references to so many details of political life of his day and the simililarities of characters to prominent people, which may have been amusing to the readers of his day, are lost on most contemporary readers. The ending, in which all the injustices inflicted on Coningsby by petty people around him are reversed through acts of self-sacrifice which set the world right, introduces a sense of fantasy which makes the book seem just a bit too much to believe. Overall this book is a worthwhile read

An insight into Disraeli, 23 Jul 2008
Coningsby was published in 1844 and was the first in Disraeli's trilogy of 'political' novels (the others being Sybil and Tancred).

The story revolves around the ealy life of Harry Coningsby. Harry is the orphaned grandson of the Marquess of Monmouth, but Harry's parents incurred the wrath of Monmouth by their marriage. Harry is restored to his granfather's favour and sent to school at Eton. The story follows Harry's career at Eton and Cambridge. While at Eton, Harry saves the life of Oswald Millbank - the son of a northern industrialist. This commences a friendship between Oswald and Harry and leads Harry to fall in love with Oswald's sister, Edith.

In recent years, some historians have dismissed Disrael's political novels as a source for Disrael's creed. This notion can hardly be supported. The story of Harry Coningsby's early life as readable, but it is Disraeli's political critique which makes 'Coningsby' a fascinating read for those interested in Victorian politics.

'Coningsby' is firmly set against the political backround of the years between the passing of the Reform Bill of 1832 (which widened the voting franchise) and the fall of Lord Melbourne's Whig ministry in 1841. Disraeli comments and expounds political views throughout the novel, although generally placing his views in the mouths of one or other of the novel's characters.

In 'Coningsby', we find a critigue of the Toryism of Peel (which Disraeli perceived to be unprincipled), utilitarianism and the Whigs. In the end, Disraeli seems to suggest that there can be a unity of interest between traditional landed elites and the new 'millocracy' through some form of Tory Paternalism.



An Interesting, But Dated, Political-Romantic Novel, 04 Sep 2002
Coningsby is an interesting political-romantic novel set in early nineteenth century England. In much of the first part of the book, Disreali introduces the main characters and the political and social background against which the action in the later parts of the book will be played. In this book Disraeli covers several topics. He explains the state of parliamentary politics of the day and the changing social and political situations of the nobility and the rising manufacturing class. As the title character, Coningsby, develops his political philosophy, Disraeli gives an insight into his own core political beliefs. Through Sidonia, one of his main characters, Disreali makes a pitch for the rights of Jews, a group to which Disraeli is linked by consangunity, though not be religion. To make it all entertaining, Disraeli takes Coningsby and his lover through a long and chaste romantic quest, in which they finally overcome the obstacles placed in their way by their families. The book, ultimately, provides a triumph of love over hatred and pettiness. The strong points of this book are its pleasant story line and the ability to tell a romantic and political tale without including the moral failings, without which so many modern authors seem incapable of expressing themselves. The weak points are found in its age and storybook ending. The repeated references to so many details of political life of his day and the simililarities of characters to prominent people, which may have been amusing to the readers of his day, are lost on most contemporary readers. The ending, in which all the injustices inflicted on Coningsby by petty people around him are reversed through acts of self-sacrifice which set the world right, introduces a sense of fantasy which makes the book seem just a bit too much to believe. Overall this book is a worthwhile read