A sensation when it was originally published in 1844, Coningsby, together with Sybil and Tancred, forms what has become known as the Young England trilogy. Against the turbulent political background of England at the time of the 1832 Reform Act and the succeeding years, Disraeli works his plot of intrigue and romance in a book which recognizes in the fate of a nation a subject as compelling as that of the fate of individuals.
Disraeli's wit and individuality, his lack of reverence and flamboyant imagination are as much in evidence in his writings as they were in his political career. Coningsby contains some of Disraeli's best-known characters, and through them the author presents an extraordinarily vivid picture of aristocratic life and questions the very basis of nineteenth-century society.
About the Author
One of the great British politicians of the nineteenth century, Disraeli served twice as Tory Prime Minister (1868 and 1874 - 1880) and was also a prominent figure in opposition. He is most famous today for the bitter hatred between himself and his political rival William Gladstone. He enjoyed the favour of Queen Victoria, who shared his dislike of Gladstone. His most significant political achievements are the 1867 Reform Act, in which he was instrumental, and the creation of the modern Conservative Party, with which he is credited. His literary career was greatly overshadowed by his parliamentary ambitions ('climbing the greasy pole'), but includes both romances and political novels.
