When we last saw Disraeli (1804-1901), in December 1856, the Derby Conservatives had been four years out of office, and he could muster only restrained optimism. Here he finds a new sense of
purpose as the 1850s close, a new sense of moving into a new era and taking British politics with him. The 670 letters, of which 457 have never been published before, follow him from opposition
in 1857 through a resurgence of vigor and resolution that culminated in his party’s return to power for 18 months and his own second stint as chancellor of the exchequer. Though defeated again
by Palmerston, and having proposed to step down as House leader, he sustains his drive until overwhelmed by the devastating death of his beloved sister in December 1859. Fear not, nearly four
decades remain. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
