Since Sybil was written, English Conservative politicians have claimed the mantle of "One Nation" toryism. The line is to be found in this book, which was written before its author rose to become one of the two (perhaps four, if Palmerston and Salisbury are included with Gladstone) of the greatest Prime Ministers of the nineteenth century. It tells an elaborate tale of Victorian political intrigue intermingled with the author's view of the English class system. In Sir Vavasour Firebrace, and his attempts to enhance the status of the Baronetcy (a title created by James the First for sale to pay for overseas settlement) Disraeli creates a great comic character. Not up to the best of Anthony Trollope, but well worth a read for those interested in British political history of the nineteenth century.

This is written for a british school person taking his or her O and or A levels. It is an enjoyeable read which put Disraeli in a comptempary historical view point. Yes, the Author actually compares Disraeli and his government to the tories of the 80's under the iron rule of Thatcher.

Paul Smith attempts the impossible - to write a brief life - of the complex, remarkable and enigmatic Jewish politician and author Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield. Smith almost pulls it off but another 50 or so pages would have given him much more scope to portray Disraeli's major contributions to the politics of identity, social and political reform and the recognition of the inevitability of working class emancipation. Smith allows his fascination with Dizzy's Jewishness and "outsider" status to overwhelm the other facets of his character and beliefs. Part of Dizzy's greatness as a politician was the ability to simultaneously portray himself as the ultimate outsider and the loyal, patriotic "insider." Until the election of Ramsey MacDonald as the first Labour Prime Minister in the 1920s, Disraeli stands alone as the most unlikely Prime Minister Britain ever had. Smith's book includes some good quotes from commentators such as Gladstone and Michael Foot. A book deserving a fuller treatment in its second edition but still a very useful introduction to its subject for young students of 19th century history.