How do Disraeli's fictions represent, uncover and express the interplay of his roles as political theorist and practitioner, social commentator and author? Travelling well beyond his political trilogy of Coningsby (1844), Sybil (1845), and Tancred (1847), this volume examines his letters, political writings, biographies and silver fork novels, including Alroy (1833), Contarini Fleming (1832), Henrietta Temple (1837), Venetia (1837), Vivian Grey (1826) , and The Young Duke (1831).
It assesses Disraeli’s representation and analysis of political conservatism, and traces the fascinating interaction between political theory and literary representation. Bringing together studies of Disraeli and his canon by contemporary and multidisciplinary scholars of the nineteenth century and of Disraeli himself, this book provides a uniquely multifaceted collection of fresh literary, historical and political scholarship.