The Rise of Iskander

"The Rise of Iskander" by Benjamin Disraeli is a historical novel crafted in the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds against the dramatic backdrop of Greece's struggle against Ottoman domination, centering on the character of Iskander, a princely figure caught between his allegiance to the Turkish Sultan and his longing for his Greek heritage and freedom. The story explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the quest for national independence, with Iskander striving to navigate his complex dual identity as both a warrior of the Moslemin and a hidden patriot of Greece. The opening portion of the book sets the stage in a vividly described Athens as the sun sets and daily life continues around its inhabitants. We are introduced to Iskander, a strikingly handsome warrior who stands out amidst the historical remnants of classical Greece. His inner conflict is palpable as he muses about his desire to free his homeland while grappling with his duties as a soldier of the Sultan. As he reconnects with Nicæus, the Prince of Athens, the narrative hints at their intertwined fates—characterized by a mix of action, friendship, and patriotic aspirations. The text foreshadows Iskander's tumultuous path ahead, which is fraught with personal and political challenges as he endeavours to reconcile his past with the urgency of his present. (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.