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jroberts1995's review
4.0
I've been meaning to read about the prime ministers of the nineteenth century for quite some time. Whilst starting with Benjamin Disraeli was a rather random choice, I'm glad to have made it. Authors Douglas Hurd and Edward Young succeeded in writing a biography both informative and highly readable. (Too often one is sacrificed for the other.) They present the story of a fascinating figure whose many complexities and quirks defy explanation - but also a man who can deservedly be called a great prime minister.
From his intense rivalry with the implacable Gladstone to his charming of Queen Victoria, the nature of Benjamin Disraeli is perhaps best uncovered through the eyes of his contemporaries. The authors are quite perceptive of this, and as a result their biography serves as an intriguing window to some of Victorian Britain's most legendary individuals.
I keenly recommend Disraeli, or The Two Lives to anyone with an interest in parliamentary history, Victorian politics, and - more broadly - the great figures of the modern world.
From his intense rivalry with the implacable Gladstone to his charming of Queen Victoria, the nature of Benjamin Disraeli is perhaps best uncovered through the eyes of his contemporaries. The authors are quite perceptive of this, and as a result their biography serves as an intriguing window to some of Victorian Britain's most legendary individuals.
I keenly recommend Disraeli, or The Two Lives to anyone with an interest in parliamentary history, Victorian politics, and - more broadly - the great figures of the modern world.
andrewrobins's review
4.0
My interest in politics is mainly rooted in the twentieth century, hence my reading this to improve my knowledge of Disraeli and the period in which he operated.
Looking at the names of the authors you might expect a hagiography, but that is not at all the case. The authors present a study of Disraeli which is balanced and fair, but draws conclusions which are less than flattering.
What they effectively say is that Disraeli was in many ways one of, if not the first of the career politicians who don't really seem to believe in very much at all, but focus on their image as a tool to advance their career aims.
British politics today is almost entirely populated by people in this mould, and it is this which makes Disraeli so relevant.
He dabbled disastrously in investing, never had a job outside politics, and was the consummate personality politician, schmoozing all and sundry, including Queen Victoria, yet nobody ever knew what he really stood for.
That sounds very familiar to anyone with a passing interest in British politics today.
Queen Victoria said "After a dinner spent sat next to Mr Gladstone, I thought he was the cleverest man in the country. After a dinner sat next to Mr Disraeli, I felt like the cleverest woman in the country".
That probably says it all.
Looking at the names of the authors you might expect a hagiography, but that is not at all the case. The authors present a study of Disraeli which is balanced and fair, but draws conclusions which are less than flattering.
What they effectively say is that Disraeli was in many ways one of, if not the first of the career politicians who don't really seem to believe in very much at all, but focus on their image as a tool to advance their career aims.
British politics today is almost entirely populated by people in this mould, and it is this which makes Disraeli so relevant.
He dabbled disastrously in investing, never had a job outside politics, and was the consummate personality politician, schmoozing all and sundry, including Queen Victoria, yet nobody ever knew what he really stood for.
That sounds very familiar to anyone with a passing interest in British politics today.
Queen Victoria said "After a dinner spent sat next to Mr Gladstone, I thought he was the cleverest man in the country. After a dinner sat next to Mr Disraeli, I felt like the cleverest woman in the country".
That probably says it all.
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