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A review by jroberts1995
Disraeli or The Two Lives by Edward Young, Douglas Hurd
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.