Coningsby

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Coningsby

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Benjamin Disraeli's political novel follows young aristocrat Harry Coningsby as he navigates the turbulent landscape of 1840s England. Blending sharp social observation with a defense of Tory principles, the story explores the decline of national character, the power of the aristocracy, and the urgent need for moral reform within the political establishment.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1844, Benjamin Disraeli's *Coningsby* serves as a profound political and social study rather than a conventional romance. The narrative centers on Harry Coningsby, a talented and principled young man who faces a sudden crisis when he is disinherited by his grandfather, Lord Monmouth. Disillusioned and wandering, Coningsby finds refuge in the industrial town of Darlford, where his integrity and connection with the working class lead to a triumphant election as Member of Parliament, defying established party lines. The novel's intellectual core is driven by Coningsby's friendship with the enigmatic Sidonia, a figure of deep reflection. Through their dialogues, Disraeli critiques the social disorganization of the age, arguing that while political institutions are merely machines, the true engine of society is the 'national character.' Sidonia posits that England faces a peril not from weak institutions, but from a decline in public virtue and the arraying of social classes against one another. He warns that revolutions are rarely caused by economic causes alone but often by the imagination of a nation rising against a government. In stark contrast to this idealism stands the cynical, self-serving politics of figures like Mr. Rigby, who represents the hollow-hearted ridicule and low ambition of the age. Disraeli uses these contrasting characters to argue that the salvation of England lies in the moral regeneration of its aristocracy and the reintegration of the community's spirit. The story also explores the personal costs of political maneuvering through the tragic fate of Flora, the daughter of Lord Monmouth, whose death underscores the fragility of aristocratic life and the pain of unintended consequences. The plot culminates in Coningsby's marriage to Edith, the daughter of his benefactor, Mr. Millbank. This union symbolizes the potential for a new generation to bridge the gap between the old aristocracy and the rising industrial classes. The novel concludes with the newly married couple standing at the threshold of public service, facing the daunting challenge of maintaining their high principles amidst the temptations of power. Disraeli ultimately asserts that the political future of the nation depends on whether its leaders can remain brave, single, and true, refusing to bow before shadows or worship phrases, thereby restoring the happiness of their country through moral courage and genuine belief in their own energies.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/benjamin-disraeli_coningsby.epub

Local file path

data/epubs/url-ac76c0161ff5a5b4.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-07-01 18:26 UTC

Categories

• Fiction
• Politics