Coningsby: Or the New Generation

By: Disraeli, Benjamin

Coningsby, or The New Generation, is an English political novel by Benjamin Disraeli published in 1844. It is rumored to be based on Nathan Mayer Rothschild. According to his biographer, Robert Blake, the character of Sidonia is a cross between Lionel de Rothschild and Disraeli himself. The book is set against a background of the real political events of the 1830s in England that followed the enactment of the Reform Bill of 1832. In describing these events Disraeli sets out his own beliefs including his opposition to Robert Peel, his dislikes of both the British Whig Party and the ideals of Utilitarianism, and the need for social justice in a newly industrialized society. He portrays the self-serving politician in the character of Rigby (based on John Wilson Croker) and the malicious party insiders in the characters of Taper and Tadpole. The novel follows the life and career of Henry Coningsby, the orphan grandson of a wealthy marquess, Lord Monmouth. Lord Monmouth initially disapproved of Coningsby's parents' marriage, but on their death he relents and sends the boy to be educated at Eton College. At Eton Coningsby meets and befriends Oswald Millbank, the son of a rich cotton manufacturer who is a bitter enemy of Lord Monmouth. The two older men represent old and new wealth in society. As Coningsby grows up he begins to develop his own liberal political views, and falls in love with Oswald's sister Edith. When Lord Monmouth discovers these developments he is furious and secretly disinherits his grandson. On his death, Coningsby is left penniless, and is forced to work for his living. He decides to study law and become a barrister.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 151754968X
• ISBN13: 9781517549688
• Release Date: September 2015
• Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 270 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 8.5" x 11.0"