Historiography and Tory Restoration in Disraeli’s Fiction

Abstract

Explores as sources for Disraeli’s novels the historical works that influenced his thinking about the English nation and the development of Tory principles inherent within that tradition. Claims he relied heavily on contemporary notions of history that glorified England’s Anglo-Saxon heritage. Examines the novels carefully to demonstrate how Disraeli integrates his theory of history into his fiction, making these works both political tracts and historical novels.