Mr and Mrs Disraeli
This biography recounts the relationship between 19th-century statesman and novelist Benjamin Disraeli and his wife, Mary Anne. Despite prejudice for his Jewish, non-aristocratic origins, Disraeli’s intellect and skill as an orator led to political success. He shaped the modern Conservative party, serving twice as Prime Minister. Mary Anne, daughter of a sailor, and widow of a wealthy industrialist, was considered vulgar and eccentric by the fashionable society she longed to join. Although attractive and vivacious, she was 12 years older than Disraeli, and cynics claimed it was her money that attracted him. Yet it seems their 30-year marriage was happy. Praising his wife, he said “I do owe that lady all, I think, I have ever accomplished, because she has supported me by her counsels and consoled me by the sweetness of her disposition”.
Daisy Hay provides an insightful and enjoyable portrait of a devoted couple. Using extracts from a wealth of correspondence, we learn of the Disraelis’ progress ‘up the greasy pole’ of politics. Personal and domestic details, as well as relationships with monarchs and servants alike, are well-researched and revealing. Recommended.
