Description

In Lothair, Disraeli delves into the life of a young and wealthy aristocrat navigating the political and religious complexities of 19th-century Britain. The novel explores themes of identity, faith, and duty as Lothair is torn between the influences of Catholicism, Protestantism, and secularism. With its satirical portrayal of high society and rich political commentary, Lothair reflects Disraeli's own views on the tensions of his era.

Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield, (1804-1881) was a parliamentarian, Conservative statesman and literary figure, twice serving as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Before and during his political career, Disraeli was well known as a literary and social figure, best known today for his romances, Sybil and Vivian Grey. Lothair was written after Disraeli's first term as Prime Minister, and deals with the comparative merits of the Catholic and Anglican churches as heirs of Judaism, and with the then-topical question of Italian unification. Lothair was a hugely popular work among 19th century readers.