Disraeli - A personal History

From the highly acclaimed biographer Christopher Hibbert comes this masterly biography of Benjamin Disraeli. It follows his progress from his early career working unenthusiastically in a lawyer's office, his unsuccessful attempts to found a newspaper, and the writing of an unpublished novel te, his life as a conspicuous dandy, attentive and witty, who enjoyed many liaisons with women until he contracted venereal disease in a brothel. He married in 1839 ('He married me for my money. But, if he had the chance again, he would marry me for love,' his wife later said) and began his career as a gifted parliamentarian. He eventually became Prime Minister - a position he held twice, and which he referred to as 'the top of the greasy pole'. Superb politician, orator, writer and wit, Benjamin Disraeli was - according to Queen Victoria - the kindest Minister' she ever had.