The Earl of Beaconsfield

"The Earl of Beaconsfield" by James Anthony Froude is a political biography written in the late 19th century. This work focuses on the life and career of Benjamin Disraeli, also known as the Earl of Beaconsfield, exploring his rise in British politics and his influence as a Prime Minister. The book delves into themes such as political ambition, personal identity, and the intersection of literature and politics, aiming to provide a thorough understanding of Disraeli's complexities as both a statesman and a writer. The opening of the biography sets the stage by reflecting on the opinions of contemporary figures like Thomas Carlyle regarding Parliament and Disraeli's place within it. It discusses the historical context of Disraeli's Jewish heritage, his upbringing, and the literary influences that shaped him. The narrative captures his early ambitions, family dynamics, and the societal challenges he faced due to his background. The text highlights the formative experiences that led to his eventual prominence in politics, providing a foundation for understanding Disraeli's character and his journey through the political landscape of Victorian England. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

James Anthony Froude was an English historian, novelist, biographer, and editor of Fraser's Magazine. From his upbringing amidst the Anglo-Catholic Oxford Movement, Froude intended to become a clergyman, but doubts about the doctrines of the Anglican church, published in his scandalous 1849 novel The Nemesis of Faith, drove him to abandon his religious career. Froude turned to writing history, becoming one of the best-known historians of his time for his History of England from the Fall of Wolsey to the Defeat of the Spanish Armada.