Benjamin Disraeli

NAME Benjamin Disraeli

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Disraeli is celebrated as a brilliant novelist, witty orator, and influential British statesman who served as Prime Minister. He is credited with shaping modern Conservatism through his concept of "One Nation" conservatism and for his flamboyant style and memorable political wit.

BIRTH Benjamin Disraeli was born on December 21, 1804, at 22 Theobalds Road, London.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Born into a prosperous Sephardic family with close ties to the London literary world, Disraeli was one of four brothers. His father, Isaac D'Israel (1766–1848), was a noted literary critic and historian who spent 30 years writing his classic work, Curiosities of Literature. His mother, Maria Basevi, hailed from the illustrious Abravanel family—her own father was a straw hat salesman from central Italy. Although born to Jewish parents, his parents had him baptized and raised in the Church of England; nonetheless, a relative on his mother's side, David Abravanel Lindo, ensured he was circumcised.

CHILDHOOD Disraeli's childhood was marked by his father's intellectual influence. He was a precocious child with a love for reading and storytelling.  His father's break from the Jewish faith and subsequent baptism of the family into the Church of England had a significant impact on Benjamin.

During holidays, he and his brothers formed their own “government,” with young Benjamin naturally assuming the role of prime minister.

EDUCATION From an early age, Benjamin displayed a penchant for storytelling. Starting at age six, he was educated in Islington and then at a private school in Blackheath, where he quickly earned a reputation as a gifted raconteur despite his distaste for the basics of formal learning. Later, at a more disciplined school in Walthamstow, he became disenchanted and left abruptly at the age of 16.

Much of Disraeli’s early education came informally from his father’s extensive library, supplementing his formal schooling.

Between the ages of 17 and 20, he was articled to a firm of London solicitors at Lincoln’s Inn, which provided him with practical legal training despite his eventual pivot to literature and politics.

Benjamin Disraeli by Francis Grant. Disraeli as a young man—a retrospective portrayal painted in 1852

CAREER RECORD 1821-24 Articled to a firm of London solicitors in Lincoln’s Inn., between the ages of 17 and 20.

1826 Primarily in order to pay off his debts, he began writing novels, the first of which, Vivian Grey, appeared in 1826 with some success.

1831-37 Fought three times unsuccessfully for the seat of High Wycombe, then changed from a Radical to Tory. In other words he tried and tried until he was blue in the face. 

1837 Elected MP for Maidstone at the fifth attempt.

1846 Led the protectionists in a struggle with Sir Robert Peel over corn laws.

1849 Leader of the opposition

1859 His reform bill is defeated and as a result Lord Derby PM resigns and is replaced by Palmerston's Liberals. 

Chancellor of Exchequer

Leader of Commons

1868 Became Prime Minister on Lord Derby's retirement due to ill-health. Soon lost the election.

1874 Took office with a majority of 100.

1875 Legalised peaceful picketing and tried to cure slum problem with the Public Health Act. 

1880 The Liberals defeated Disraeli's Conservatives at the 1880 general election. 

APPEARANCE Disraeli was often noted for his distinctly “Jewish” look reflective of his Italian/Jewish heritage. His most famous physical characteristic was an ebony, curled goatee beard, which made frequent appearances in contemporary cartoons and caricatures.

1878 portrait

FASHION Disraeli's sartorial style evolved with his career:

As a Young Articled Clerk: He donned a black velvet suit with ruffles and black stockings accented with red clocks.

As a Member of Parliament: He was known for wearing a striking black velvet coat paired with satin mauve trousers trimmed with a gold stripe, a vibrant crimson waistcoat, white gloves, and several glittering jeweled rings—a style that underscored his flamboyant personality.

CHARACTER Disraeli was a man of contrasts—intensely creative and deeply sensitive, yet remarkably witty and self-assured. His passionate invective and satirical wit made him a formidable orator, while his personal life was marked by bouts of depression and periods of reclusiveness. His motto, "Fort, nihil difficile" (Nothing is difficult to the strong), reflected his belief in the power of determination.

SPEAKING VOICE Renowned for his oratorical skills, Disraeli spoke in a measured yet incisively witty tone. His speeches were laced with satirical humor and clever repartee, earning him a reputation as a “machine gun” of invective against political opponents such as Peel, Palmerston, and Gladstone.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Disraeli’s humor was sharp, ironic, and unafraid of controversy. He famously quipped in response to Gladstone’s challenge about joking on any subject: “Her majesty is not a subject.” 

He also once replied to unsolicited manuscripts with, “Thank you for the manuscript. I shall lose no time in reading it.” 

Disraeli on Robert Peel. "The Right Honourable Gentleman is reminiscent of a poker. The only difference is that a poker gives off occasional signs of warmth. "

RELATIONSHIPS: His personal life was marked by passionate relationships. Notably, his mistress Henrietta Sykes (1833–1836) was described as a striking, passionate beauty with expensive tastes.

On August 28, 1839, he married Mary Anne Wyndham Lewis at St. George’s, Hanover Square, London. Mary, a well-to-do widow 12 years his senior known for her eccentric dress and character, was a stabilizing influence.

Initially, their union was seen as a financial arrangement, with Disraeli marrying the wealthy widow for her money. However, their relationship evolved into a deep and devoted love affair that lasted until Mary Anne's death in 1872. Although he had had several notorious affairs, in his youth, Disraeli was ostentatiously faithful and attentive to his wife. 

Mary Anne brought to the marriage not only her fortune but also an unwavering devotion to her husband. She was known for her lively personality, intelligence, and ability to help Disraeli edit his books. Despite her eccentricities and tendency to cause social gaffes, Disraeli remained fiercely loyal to her, described her fondly as “A pretty little woman, a flirt and a rattle: indeed gifted with a volubility I should think unequalled.”

Their marriage was crucial to Disraeli's political success. Mary Anne's financial support helped alleviate his debts and provided stability for his political career. She proved to be an excellent political wife, supporting Disraeli through his rise to become Prime Minister. Their devotion to each other became legendary, with Mary Anne once hiding a severe hand injury to avoid distracting Disraeli before an important speech

Their marriage lasted until Mary Anne's death from cancer on December 15, 1872. Disraeli was deeply affected by her loss, though he would go on to serve another term as Prime Minister and fall in love again.

Mary Anne Lewis c. 1820–30

Queen Victoria held Disraeli in high regard, sending him primroses on various occasions. 

MONEY AND FAME Early in his career, Disraeli’s unwise investments—including a failed daily newspaper venture, imprudent stock speculation, an expensive mistress, and an 18‑month European grand tour—left him deeply in debt. His fortunes turned when Mary Anne provided him with a considerable dowry, and later a rich widow from Torquay bequeathed him £40,000, enabling him to clear his debts. His literary success further bolstered his fame and financial standing.

Disraeli ascended the political ladder with remarkable self-assurance, famously remarking upon becoming Prime Minister in 1868, "Yes, I have climbed to the top of the greasy pole."

FOOD AND DRINK Disraeli’s wit extended to his observations on food. At one public dinner, after the meal had been delayed and the food had gone stone cold, he sipped his champagne and murmured, “Thank God! At last have got something warm.”

MUSIC AND ARTS Disraeli’s upbringing in a literary and cultured family meant that the arts were an integral part of his life. His lifelong love of literature and his familiarity with classical works influenced both his writing and his political rhetoric.

LITERATURE A prolific writer, Disraeli authored several novels that captivated and scandalized the public in equal measure. From his early work A True Story (1820) and the controversial Vivian Grey (1826), to classics like Coningsby (1844), and Daniel Deronda (1876), his works often intertwined literary flair with political commentary. His 1880 novel Endymion set a record advance payment of £10,000, and his frequent readings—he read Pride and Prejudice 19 times—revealed a deep engagement with the literary canon. Here's some of his written works:

1826 Vivien Grey. Primarily in order to pay off his debts, Disraeli burst onto the literary scene with this novel. Alongside its success Vivien Grey caused a scandal due to its lampooning of many influential people. 

1832 Contarini Fleming. A psychological romance, this was Disraeli's favorite amongst the novels he wrote.  However, it was a financial failure.

1834 The Revolutionary Epic, his one, unsuccessful stab at poetry. 

1835 Vindication of the British Constitution, a brilliant pamphlet.

1844 Coningsby. "What wonderful things are events. The least are of greater importance than the most comprehensive speculations."  Immensely sublime and successful. it came to be regarded as a manifesto for young England. 

1870 Lothair published whilst in opposition, it was possibly more widely read than any novel since the days of Sir Walter Scott. Poorly reviewed but its first edition sold out within two days. Lothair was immensly popular in England, Europe and the USA. 

1880 Endymion "His Christianity was muscular"  Disraeli received a record advance payment of £10,000 for Endymion, the highest 19th century advance for a novel. 

Disraeli once quipped "The author who speaks about his own books is almost as bad as a mother who talks about her own children."

A 16 year old Robert Louis Stevenson described Disraeli's novels as "The dullest historical romances." Wordsworth described his novels as "trashy". They were more popular amongst the public than critics. 

NATURE Disraeli demonstrated an appreciation for landscape and nature. At his estate, Hughenden Manor, Disraeli and his wife Mary Anne engaged in landscaping the grounds, creating ponds and planting a 'German Forest' area inspired by the Black Forest in Germany.

Disraeli's love for aesthetics extended to his enjoyment of the natural world. He wrote poetically about the autumn colors at Hughenden, describing the changing hues of the trees.

Benjamin Disraeli's fondness for primroses reportedly originated from a romantic encounter in his youth. According to a story that circulated after his death, Disraeli attended a ball in Highbury, London, with a young woman who wore a wreath of primroses. When the authenticity of the flowers was questioned, Disraeli bet a pair of gloves that they were real. Upon winning the bet, the lady gave him a primrose for his buttonhole, which sparked his lifelong affection for the flower1.

Disraeli particularly appreciated primroses for their wild nature. He once wrote to Queen Victoria that he liked "primroses so much better for their being wild: they seem an offering from the fauns and dryads of the woods". This sentiment reflects Disraeli's romantic view of nature and his appreciation for the simple beauty of wild flowers.

PETS Disraeli's estate, Hughenden Manor, had beehives during his time there. This tradition continues today with a colony of honeybees managed by volunteer beekeepers.

Disraeli showed a certain affinity for animals by not allowing shooting or hunting on his estate, which was unusual for the time.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS His lifelong passion for reading and writing also occupied much of his leisure time.

In his 1831 novel, The Young Duke: A Moral Tale Through Gay, Disraeli introduced the phrase “dark horse” when he wrote: “A dark horse, which had never been thought of…rushed past the grandstand in sweeping triumph.”

When he first became British Prime Minister in 1868, Disraeli said “Yes, I have climbed to the top of the greasy pole. The allusion was to the competitive sport at fairs of climbing up or along a greasy pole without slipping off. 

When Lord George Bentinck accused Disraeli of not knowing what the Derby was, Disraeli relied "Yes I do. Its the blue ribbon of the turf."

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Disraeli, never one to underplay a dramatic entrance, served twice as Britain’s Prime Minister—first in 1868 for what can only be described as a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it tenure, and then again in 1874, when he managed to hang on for a respectable six years. His first stint came courtesy of Lord Derby’s ill health, and his second, thanks to a narrow but serviceable majority of 100 seats.

A man of grand gestures and even grander phrases, Disraeli championed One Nation conservatism, a political philosophy aimed at making the rich feel slightly guiltier about being rich and the poor slightly less resentful about being poor. He also made Britain a key player in Egyptian affairs by securing a 44% stake in the Suez Canal Company in 1875—an acquisition that ensured Britain had a firm grip on one of the world’s most important waterways and, incidentally, left France sulking.

Ever the showman, Disraeli marked his ascension to the highest office with characteristic flair, famously declaring, “Yes, I have climbed to the top of the greasy pole.” He was, if nothing else, a man who understood the value of good timing and a well-placed quip.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Benjamin Disraeli was born Jewish,  and raised Orthodox, but his family's break with synagogue leaders led to their conversion to Christianity during his adolescence.  Despite this, Disraeli's Jewish heritage was often a topic of discussion.  

Famously, Queen Victoria questioned him about his true religious beliefs, given his Jewish birth and apparent lack of genuine Christian faith. Disraeli's witty response was that he was "the blank page between the Old Testament and the New."

Disraeli also coined the phrase “His Christianity was muscular” in Endymion, encapsulating his belief in a robust, active form of faith.

During the height of controversy over Darwin's evolutionary theories, in a speech in 1864 at the Oxford Diocesan conference, he commented "Is man an ape or an angel? I, my Lord, am on the side of angels."

POLITICS Disraeli’s political career was marked by dramatic shifts and fierce rivalries. Initially standing as a Radical and contesting the seat of High Wycombe (three unsuccessful attempts between 1831 and 1837), he later realigned with the Tory party and won a parliamentary seat for Maidstone in 1837. 

His early parliamentary career suffered a setback with a disastrous maiden speech, interrupted by hecklers.  However, he famously declared, "The time will come when you will hear me." This initial failure stemmed from his flamboyant style and extravagant language, which drew ridicule.

Disraeli's political acumen, characterized by sharp wit and bold oratory, enabled him to challenge and often outsmart formidable opponents like Peel, Palmerston, and Gladstone. 

SCANDAL Disraeli’s career was not without controversy:

His early novel Vivian Grey scandalized society by lampooning influential figures, compelling him to publish it anonymously at first.

His extravagant and ambitious maiden speech in Parliament provoked derision and nearly derailed his political career.

Benjamin Disraeli famously engaged in a heated public dispute with the Irish MP Daniel O'Connell, which nearly escalated into a duel.  The matter was ultimately resolved when Disraeli was required to post a £500 bond to guarantee he would keep the peace.

His personal life, including unwise financial investments, an expensive mistress, and flamboyant dress, also occasionally stirred public scandal.

Disraeli was the first person caricatured in the London magazine Vanity Fair,  January 30. 1869.

MILITARY RECORD Upon returning from the Congress of Berlin on July 16,1878, which redrew the map of the Balkans after the Russo-Turkish War, Disraeli addressed the House of Commons, stating, "Lord Salisbury and myself have brought you back peace, but a peace I hope with honour."

In 1879, Disraeli's government initiated the Zulu War, when they declared war on the Zulu leader Cetshwayo.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS In his twenties, Disraeli suffered from severe depression and was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. His doctor described his condition as a chronic inflammation of the membranes of the brain. He spent a four-year period as a recluse and, for many years afterward, endured episodes of psychosomatic illness and crippling headaches that often left him bed-ridden.

HOMES Benjamin Disraeli set up home at 93 Park Lane, London when he married Mary Anne Lewis in 1839. The house at 93 Park Lane was originally purchased by Wyndham Lewis, Mary Anne's first husband, in 1827 for £14,000. When Wyndham Lewis died in 1838, he left his wife a life interest in the house. 

This residence became Disraeli's home for over three decades, from 1839 to 1872. The house was located in the fashionable Mayfair area of London, overlooking Hyde Park, and was part of a row of prestigious properties on Park Lane. During this period, Park Lane was considered one of London's most desirable addresses, reflecting Disraeli's rising status in Victorian high society.

Hughenden Manor, near High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, served as Benjamin Disraeli's principal residence from 1848 until his death in 1881.  His purchase of this country house was a strategic move to solidify his position as a landed gentleman, a status considered essential for his political aspirations.  

Disraeli undertook substantial renovations of the manor, transforming the existing Georgian building into a Victorian country retreat under the direction of architect Edward Buckton Lamb.  Disraeli and his wife, Mary Anne, played a significant role in shaping the manor's new style, reflecting their growing prominence in Victorian high society.  The grounds were also enhanced, with the creation of ponds along the Hughenden Stream and the planting of a "German Forest," inspired by the Black Forest region.

Hughenden Manor 2010

TRAVEL An ambitious traveler, Between 1830 and 1831, Benjamin Disraeli embarked on an extensive journey through southern Europe and beyond, accompanied by his sister's fiancé, William Meredith.  Financed in part by his novel The Young Duke, this trip profoundly impacted Disraeli. It broadened his worldview, exposing him to unfamiliar values, heightened his self-awareness and moral relativism, and ignited his fascination with Eastern racial and religious perspectives.  Tragically, the journey was cut short by Meredith's death from smallpox in Cairo in July 1831. Despite this loss, and the need for treatment for a sexually transmitted disease upon his return, Disraeli considered the experience enriching.

These travels had a lasting influence on Disraeli. They shaped his views on key political issues, particularly the Eastern Question, and provided inspiration for his novels, notably Contarini Fleming (1832) and The Wondrous Tale of Alroy (1833).  His later foreign policy as Prime Minister was also informed by these early experiences in the Mediterranean and Middle East.

In later life, Disraeli's travels took on a more political nature.  A key example is his 1878 trip to Berlin with Foreign Secretary Lord Salisbury for the Congress of Berlin.  This diplomatic mission proved a triumph, with Disraeli achieving a settlement that reversed Russian military gains and secured Cyprus for Britain.

DEATH Benjamin Disraeli died on April 19, 1881, from bronchial asthma at 19 Curzon Street, London. On his deathbed, when asked if he would like Queen Victoria to visit him, he murmured, “No, it is better not; she would only ask me to take a message to Albert.” 

Benjamin Disraeli received a hero's funeral, a rare honor for a commoner at the time.   Following the service, Disraeli was interred in the churchyard of St Michael and All Angels Church in Hughenden, Buckinghamshire, near his country estate, Hughenden Manor. He was buried in the family vault alongside his wife, Lady Beaconsfield, who had predeceased him in 1872.

His grave is located at the west wall of the church.  Due to protocol, Queen Victoria was unable to attend the private funeral, but she visited the tomb just days later to pay her respects.  She also commissioned a memorial plaque within the church, inscribed with the words: "From his grateful sovereign, Kings love him who speaketh right."

Beyond his burial at Hughenden, Disraeli is also commemorated by a cenotaph in Westminster Abbey, erected by Parliament.

The anniversary of Disraeli's death, April 19th, became known as Primrose Day, a tradition that lasted until the 1920s.  On this day, arrangements of primroses, reportedly his favorite flower, were placed at his tomb and his statue in Parliament Square.

He was laid to rest in Hughenden Churchyard, Buckinghamshire, and Queen Victoria honored him by sending primroses to his funeral—a gesture that has since linked his passing with “Primrose Day.”

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Benjamin Disraeli has had a colorful afterlife in popular culture, appearing in films, television, literature, and even political cartoons—often as a dramatic, enigmatic figure with a flair for wit and showmanship.

 Here are some notable instances of Disraeli in the media:

1. Film & Television Disraeli (1929) – One of the earliest biopics about him, starring George Arliss, who won an Academy Award for his portrayal. The film dramatized Disraeli’s efforts to secure control of the Suez Canal, complete with political intrigue and grand pronouncements.

The Prime Minister (1941) – Another take on Disraeli’s life, again starring George Arliss, reinforcing his legacy as a masterful political strategist.

Edward the Seventh (1975) – A British TV miniseries in which Disraeli (portrayed by John Gielgud) is depicted as a shrewd statesman who plays a key role in handling relations with the future King Edward VII.

Victoria (2016–2019) – The ITV series features Disraeli (played by Paul Rhys) as Queen Victoria’s favorite prime minister, emphasizing his warm relationship with the queen and his rivalry with Gladstone.

2. Literature Anthony Trollope’s political novels, such as Phineas Finn and The Prime Minister, were inspired in part by Disraeli’s flamboyant career.

The Flashman Papers by George MacDonald Fraser features Disraeli in Flashman at the Charge, portraying him as a cunning and ambitious political player.

3. Political Cartoons – Disraeli was a favorite subject for satirical artists like those in Punch magazine, often depicted as a slick political operator with his signature curls and theatrical demeanor.

4. Radio & Podcasts – Various BBC history programs and political discussion shows frequently reference Disraeli, often contrasting him with his great rival, William Gladstone.

ACHIEVEMENTS Disraeli's most significant achievements include his two terms as Prime Minister, his expansion of the British Empire, his role in the purchase of the Suez Canal shares, and his contributions to the development of the Conservative Party. He left a lasting legacy on British politics and society.

Source Encarta Encyclopedia