There follows, this time after an interval of seven years, the first of the four famous political novels that, whether or no they can be said to have introduced a new genre into English fiction, are undoubtedly the finest achievements of Disraeli's literary career. Coningsby (1844), Sybil (1845), and Tancred (1847) are too well known to need description here. Because, however, their interdependence as parts of a general scheme in the mind of the author tends to become obscured by consideration of their respective quality, note may be taken of the fact that Coningsby is a novel of political views, Sybil one of social conditions and classes among the people, and Tancred one of religion as an influence in national life. Of the characters in Coningsby many reappear in Tancred, while Tadpole and Taper, whose names have become part of English political slang, pull their wires and cadge their jobs as assiduously in Sybil as in the story that preceded it. It would be interesting to work out a comparison between Disraeli and Trollope as political novelists. Probably one would come to the decision that those of Disraeli are the better political novels and those of Trollope the better novels of politics. In other words, Disraeli is the cleverer publicist, but Trollope the finer artist. Coningsby and its fellows depend very much on contemporary fact and personality for their full understanding and significance. Surely it is not hyperæsthetic to demand that literature be its own interpreter? In so far as a work of art requires outside knowledge for its proper appreciation, to that extent it falls short from what in art is highest and most perfect.
The appearance of Lothair in 1870 caused something of a scandal in serious political circles. The Briton is accustomed to take his statesmen seriously, but his novelists with frivolity and in the leisure hour. Wherefore he regarded it as unseemly that the name of an ex-Prime Minister and of a man whose political career was by no means run should figure on the title-pages of a three-volume novel. Curiosity conquered disapproval and, as on an hundred other occasions, a book condemned for its very existence was purchased and read in tens of thousands. Lothair is the work of a man who knew everybody and almost everything. The personal satire, the constructive and destructive fervour of Coningsby, Sybil, and Tancred have given place to a greater gravity and restraint, to an ironic vision more general and less individual. Taking as his subject the power of the Catholic Church, the rival power of revolutionary free thought and the indeterminate central position of the Church of England, Disraeli built up his fourth and most extensive picture of the England of his time. If we miss the idealist conviction that gives to some of the passages in Tancred the force of a splendid sermon, we gain a certainty and a dignity of thought which were inevitably lacking in the books of the earlier period. We also continue to enjoy the epigram, the vivid minor portraiture, the lightning grasp of fact and of every implication of fact, that give to the political novels of Disraeli their unique flavour and importance.
BIOGRAPHY
THE LIFE OF BENJAMIN DISRAELI, EARL OF BEACONSFIELD. By William Flavelle Monypenny and George Earle Buckle. 6 vols. London: John Murray. 1912-1920.
I.—EDITIONES PRINCIPES
FICTION, POETRY, ESSAYS, LETTERS, ETC.
1825
AN ENQUIRY INTO THE PLANS, PROGRESS AND POLICY OF AMERICAN MINING COMPANIES. London: John Murray. MDCCCXXV. 1 vol. Demy 8vo (5¼ × 8½). Pp. 135 + (1) of which p. (6) is paged vi. Paper boards, paper label. White end-papers.
Note—These observations were made from a third enlarged edition published in the first year of issue, and it is likely that the first edition, although similar in format, etc., contains fewer pages.
1825
LAWYERS AND LEGISLATORS: Or Notes on the American Mining Companies. (Quotation from Hooker.) London: John Murray. MDCCCXXV. 1 vol. Demy 8vo (5¼ × 8½). Pp. (viii) + 99 + (1). No half-title. Paper boards, paper label. White end-papers.