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. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield, was a British statesman, Conservative politician and writer who twice served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He played a central role in the creation of the modern Conservative Party, defining its policies and its broad outreach. Disraeli is remembered for his influential voice in world affairs, his political battles with the Liberal Party leader William Ewart Gladstone, and his one-nation conservatism or "Tory democracy". He made the Conservatives the party most identified with the British Empire and military action to expand it, both of which were popular among British voters. He is the only British Prime Minister to have been born Jewish.