Author
Benjamin Disraeli
1804-1881
Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Benjamin Disraeli
Henrietta Temple: A Love Story
"Henrietta Temple: A Love Story" by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli is a novel written between 1833 and 1836. Ferdinand Armine, heir to a debt-ridden aristocratic family, becomes engaged to his wealthy cousin Katherine to escape financial ruin. But when he meets the captivating Henrietta Temple, he falls instantly and passionately in love. Torn between duty and desire, Ferdinand's choices set off a chain of heartbreak, secret engagements, and unexpected complications that entangle multiple lives in a web of conflicting promises and obligations.
Coningsby; Or, The New Generation
"Coningsby; Or, The New Generation" by Benjamin Disraeli is a political novel published in 1844. Set against England's turbulent 1830s following the Reform Bill, it follows Harry Coningsby, an orphaned grandson of a wealthy marquess who befriends the son of his grandfather's bitter enemy. As young Coningsby develops his own liberal views and falls in love with his friend's sister, he faces disinheritance and must forge his own path. The novel articulates Disraeli's political philosophy and his "Young England" vision for a transformed Tory party.
Tancred; Or, The New Crusade
"Tancred; Or, The New Crusade" by Benjamin Disraeli is a novel published in 1847. Part of the Young England trilogy, it follows an idealistic young lord who abandons fashionable London society to journey to the Holy Land, seeking to understand Christianity's roots. There he encounters Eva, a Jewish financier's daughter, and becomes entangled in political intrigue involving a Lebanese emir. Through mystical visions and dangerous captivity, Tancred must confront questions about faith, civilization, and the relationship between Judaism and Christianity.
Sybil, Or, The Two Nations
"Sybil, Or, The Two Nations by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli" is a novel published in 1845. This work examines the desperate conditions of England's working classes during the industrial age. Inspired by the Chartist movement and a government inquiry into child labor, Disraeli crafted a story that exposes the moral corruption of forcing children into harsh employment. The novel traces the struggles of workers living in squalor, creating a passionate argument for social reform in a deeply divided England.
The Young Duke
"The Young Duke" by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli is a novel written between 1829-1830. The wealthy young Duke of St James enters fashionable society, squandering his fortune on gambling and pursuing unsuitable romantic attachments. After rejecting his honorable Catholic guardian Mr Dacre, George becomes entangled with the married Lady Aphrodite while falling for Dacre's virtuous daughter May. Financial ruin and a duel force the dissolute duke to confront his character flaws and seek redemption through meaningful action.
Endymion
"Endymion" by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli is a novel published in 1880. Set between 1819 and 1859, it follows the Ferrars siblings after their father's political ruin and suicide devastate their family. Young Endymion begins as a humble government clerk while his sister Myra becomes companion to a wealthy banker's family. Through ambition, strategic alliances, and advantageous marriages, they navigate the treacherous world of Whig politics. The story traces Endymion's remarkable ascent from obscurity toward the highest reaches of political power in Victorian England.
Lord George Bentinck: A Political Biography
"Lord George Bentinck: A Political Biography" by Benjamin Disraeli is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The biography delves into the life and political career of Lord George Bentinck, highlighting his significant impact on public affairs and his unique qualities as a political figure. The text explores his motivations, challenges, and pivotal moments in the political landscape of the time, particularly his connections to the agricultural interests and the formation of protectionist policies. At the start of the biography, Disraeli paints a vivid portrait of Bentinck’s character and political journey. The narrative begins with an overview of his political career, detailing how he had spent many years in Parliament without engaging in major debates until a series of events propelled him into prominence. Among his attributes, Bentinck is recognized for his intellectual rigor, commitment to principles, and determination to serve the agricultural community against the backdrop of political turmoil. Disraeli reflects on Bentinck's evolving stance towards the government, his relationships within Parliament, and his steadfast resolve in representing the interests of farmers, as he navigates the complex landscape of political debates surrounding protectionism and the agrarian crisis in Ireland.
Vivian Grey
"Vivian Grey" by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli is a novel published in 1826. This debut work follows an ambitious young man's ruthless pursuit of political power through manipulation and scheming. Lacking experience and navigating England's rigid social structure, Vivian attempts to organize a political party around an influential but ineffectual member of parliament. His naivete and arrogance lead to catastrophic failure, delivering a brutal lesson in human behavior and the realities of the political machine.
Alroy: The Prince of the Captivity
"Alroy: The Prince of the Captivity" by Benjamin Disraeli is a novel originally published in 1833. This fictionalised tale follows young David Alroy, who flees after killing a governor and embarks on a quest to find Solomon's sceptre and restore Jewish greatness. His journey leads him through desert dangers, forbidden love with a caliph's daughter, and military triumph. But as ambition clashes with tradition and loyalty fractures, Alroy must face whether personal desire can coexist with his destined role as liberator.
Lothair
"Lothair" by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli is a novel published in 1870. A wealthy young Scottish nobleman finds himself torn between three compelling women, each representing different religious and political allegiances: the Church of England, Roman Catholicism, and revolutionary idealism. His journey takes him from English aristocratic society to the battlefields of Italian unification, and ultimately to Jerusalem's spiritual crossroads. This sensational work sparked "Lothair-mania" across Britain and America, selling thousands of copies within days of publication.
The Voyage of Captain Popanilla
"The Voyage of Captain Popanilla" by Benjamin Disraeli is a satirical novel published in 1828. When Popanilla discovers books washed ashore on his idyllic island, he becomes obsessed with "progress" and development. Banished for his revolutionary ideas, he voyages to the supposedly civilized nation of Vraibleusia, where he encounters economic absurdities, bizarre customs, and a patched-up talking statue that controls the stock market. This allegorical fantasy, influenced by Swift's "Gulliver's Travels," lampoons contemporary British society, including colonial ambitions and economic policies.
Count Alarcos; a Tragedy
"Count Alarcos; a Tragedy" by Benjamin Disraeli is a dramatic work written during the mid-19th century. Set in the 13th century, the play unfolds within the context of the Kingdom of Castile, focusing on the turbulent emotions and political intrigues surrounding the titular character, Count Alarcos. Central to the narrative are themes of love, loyalty, and the consequences of ambition, as Alarcos navigates his relationships with his wife Florimonde and the Infanta Solisa, amidst a politically charged atmosphere. At the start of the tragedy, we witness the political landscape of Burgos and an introduction to Alarcos's world, which is marked by royal expectations and romantic entanglements. Two courtiers discuss recent court events, hinting at a royal marriage that may be at risk. We then meet Count Alarcos and his wife, who share a complex dynamic filled with tension as he grapples with his return to court after an exile. As whispers of political maneuvering and love triangles echo through the palace, the opening sets a tone of impending conflict, revealing Alarcos's struggles with ambition, loyalty, and his emotional past, as well as his connection to Solisa, further complicating the narrative tension.
The Rise of Iskander
"The Rise of Iskander" by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli is a novel written in 1832-1833. Based on the life of Albanian national hero Skanderbeg, it follows a young prince raised as a Muslim by his Turkish conquerors while secretly remaining Christian. When commissioned to fight against a Christian invasion of his homeland, Iskander faces a fateful choice between loyalty to his captors and his true heritage. The story weaves together themes of identity, rebellion, and romance as Iskander navigates dangerous intrigues in his quest for national independence.
Sketches
"Sketches" by Benjamin Disraeli is a collection of literary works written in the mid-19th century. The book features various narratives, including a tale marked by historical intrigue and romantic entanglements, centered on themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of feudal loyalties. The characters presented include Lady Imogene and her secret lover, Lothair, set against the backdrop of warring noble houses. The opening of the narrative introduces readers to the realm of Charolois, where Lady Imogene is caught in a feud between her family and the Barons of Branchimont. Following the loss of her brother, who died in a tournament at the hands of Lothair's family, Lady Imogene finds herself torn between familial loyalty and the burgeoning love for Lothair, the heir of Branchimont. As tensions escalate with an impending return of violence and intrigue, the connection between Lady Imogene and Lothair becomes increasingly fraught, leading her to seek clandestine meetings with him, all while navigating the dangers posed by their respective families. Thus, the unfolding story promises both romance and conflict, engaging the reader with its emotional intensity and setting the stage for dramatic developments.
Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Benjamin Disraeli
"Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Benjamin Disraeli" by Disraeli is a collection of literary works written during the 19th century, primarily in the Victorian era. This comprehensive index includes a variety of genres, such as novels, dramas, and political biographies, showcasing the diverse topics that interest the author, including themes of social class, love, and political discourse. The book primarily serves as an index rather than a narrative text, listing significant works by Benjamin Disraeli, including titles like "Sybil," "Coningsby," and "Vivian Grey," among others. Within this work, readers can explore the themes prevalent in Disraeli's literature, such as the contrasts between different social strata, the nature of political ambition, and the intricacies of romantic relationships. Each title mentioned in the index reflects the complex characters and intricate plots characteristic of Disraeli's style, making this compilation a useful resource for anyone looking to delve into his literary contributions.
Ixion In Heaven
"Ixion In Heaven" by Benjamin Disraeli is a satirical novel written in the Victorian era. The book delves into themes of ambition, desire, and societal dynamics through the lens of classical mythology, specifically exploring the life of Ixion, a mortal king who finds himself in the company of gods after being exiled from Earth. The narrative highlights the contrast between human frailties and divine immortality, ultimately engaging with the idea of power and the burdens of existence. The story follows Ixion, the disgraced King of Thessaly, who is taken to Heaven by Jupiter after being ostracized for murdering his father-in-law. In the celestial realm, Ixion navigates the intricacies of divine life, encounters prominent gods and goddesses, and unwittingly becomes embroiled in the politics of Olympus. As he interacts with figures like Juno, Venus, and Cupid, his ambitions and desires often clash with the established order of the gods, leading to moments of both humor and tension. Ultimately, Ixion's pursuit of power and love brings about his downfall, demonstrating the often precarious balancing act between aspiration and consequence in the arena of immortals.
The Infernal Marriage
"The Infernal Marriage" by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli is a novel published in 1834. Set in the Greek underworld, this satirical work recounts the marriage of Pluto and Proserpine, blending classical mythology with sharp political commentary. Disraeli modeled his gods and mythological figures on prominent politicians of his era, transforming ancient tales into clever social critique. The story follows palace intrigue, journeys to Elysium, and encounters with defeated Titans, all while exploring themes of power, political change, and the spirit of the age.
Venetia
"Venetia" by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli is a novel published in 1837, the year he entered Parliament. This romantic fantasy reimagines the lives of Lord Byron and Percy Shelley under different names and circumstances. Critics found the portraits flawed, with confused portrayals that blend traits of both poets. Written while Disraeli faced mounting debts, the novel served largely as a commercial venture, reshaping Byron's image for Victorian readers.
Alroy: Romani
"Alroy: Romani" by Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli is a novel originally published in 1833. This fictionalised account follows David Alroy, an 18-year-old Jewish prince in the 12th-century Middle East who is destined to restore his people to greatness. After fleeing persecution, Alroy embarks on a quest for Solomon's sceptre, leading to military triumphs and the conquest of Baghdad. Yet his forbidden love for a Muslim princess and political betrayals threaten to destroy everything he has achieved in his ambitious campaign.