Other editions of book Vivian Grey

Excerpt from Vivian GreyCritics have been hitherto content to assume that, because the author of Vivian Grey was con fronted with somewhat the same difficulties and problems as his hero, his plans for surmounting them were identical. Mr. T. P. O'connor in his Biograplzy of Disraeli, following the lines of an earlier work by a Mr. Macknight, has represented with malicious cleverness, but with an obviously conscious lack of discrimination, that in Vivian Grey's scheme of his career, and in its early steps we may see an exposition of Disraeli's own scheme and a forecast of his early political fortunes. No interpretation could be less probable, and few forecasts could be less consonant with the facts. A clever young man does not represent himself as entering on a course which he proceeds to trace to its inevitable failure, nor does the early political history of Disraeli in any way agree with that of Vivian Grey. On the basis of his own character and abilities, Disraeli has constructed a personality and a story which his imagination, in conjunction with his self-study, told him were possible. It is thus, as we shall see later, that he built up his principal characters from living originals; and this is why detailed keys to the so called portraits of distinguished men of the time are as misleading as the autobiographical assumption.About the PublisherForgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.comThis book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Vivian Grey is Benjamin Disraeli’s first novel, published by Henry Colburn in 1826. In 1827, a second volume was published. Originally published anonymously, ostensibly by a so-called ”man of fashion,” part 1 caused a considerable sensation in London society. Contemporary reviewers, suspicious of the numerous solecisms contained within the text, eventually identified the young Disraeli (who did not move in high society) as the author. Disraeli wrote a sequel to Vivian Grey, and this second part is Books 5–8 of the total work. The form in which Vivian Grey is published now is the revised 1853 edition, which was severely expurgated and, according to critic Wendy Burton, lost much of the charm and freshness of the 1826 edition. The book is a frequent touchstone for discussions of Disraeli’s political and literary career. Vivian Grey follows its eponymous hero from childhood through his attempt to succeed in the world of politics. The various systems of education through which Vivian Grey passes are analysed. The final system of education is experience, which proves the most instructive and the most shattering. Vivian chooses politics as his career and the novel traces his abortive attempt to gain political power through manipulation of an influential but ineffectual member of parliament. Vivian attempts to organise a party around the Marquess of Carabas, and is ultimately thwarted by his inexperience and naivete in dealing with the political machine.

Excerpt from Vivian GreyHow, Mr. Grey! No answer, sir; I understand that you have always an answer ready. I do not quote Scripture lightly, Mr. Grey but Take heed that you offend not, even with your tongue.' Now, sir, to your room.About the PublisherForgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.comThis book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.