
A young, idealistic gentleman steps into the bustling world of early‑nineteenth‑century England, eager to test his convictions against the entrenched traditions of the aristocracy. Through his eyes we glimpse glittering country houses, heated parliamentary debates, and the subtle power of the Church that still shapes public life. The narrative follows his early encounters with seasoned politicians and reformers, each offering a contrasting view of what the nation’s future should look like.
Disraeli weaves lively character sketches with pointed commentary on the strengths and failings of the ruling elite, suggesting that England’s salvation may rest on a revitalised, morally grounded aristocracy. The novel reads as a vivid portrait of its era—full of wit, keen observation, and a sincere desire to elevate public discourse. Listeners will find a compelling mix of personal ambition and grand‑scale political thought, all set against the backdrop of a society on the brink of change.
Language
en
Duration
~16 hours (934K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Text file produced by Anne Soulard, Tiffany Vergon, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team HTML file produced by David Widger
Release date
2005-02-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1804–1881
A brilliant novelist who rose to become one of Victorian Britain’s best-known prime ministers, he brought theatrical wit and sharp political instinct to both Parliament and the page. His fiction, especially novels like Coningsby and Sybil, helped shape the ideas behind what later became known as one-nation conservatism.
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