The Works of Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield, Embracing Novels, Romances, Plays, Poems, Biography, Short Stories and Great Speeches: Coningsby, v. 1

This volume is part of the substantial collected editions of Benjamin Disraeli’s literary works, issued in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to preserve the legacy of the British Prime Minister. Following his death in 1881, there was significant public interest in the career of the novelist-turned-statesman, prompting publishers to compile his political fiction and essays into cohesive sets. Coningsby, first published in 1844, serves as the centerpiece of this collection and remains his most famous contribution to the 'Young England' movement, which sought to address the social divides of the Industrial Revolution through a blend of Tory romanticism and political critique.

The editorial presentation of this series was designed to reflect the gravitas of a Victorian statesman, often featuring formal cloth bindings and gold-leaf lettering intended for private libraries. While the specific printing indicated by this record reflects later efforts to consolidate his diverse body of work—including his plays, speeches, and biographies—the design ethos maintained a commitment to mid-Victorian aesthetic standards. Contemporary reception of these collected editions was largely driven by academic interest and the enduring fascination with Disraeli's influence on the Conservative Party, cementing these volumes as standard fixtures in scholarly and historical collections.