Coningsby (novel)

Coningsby, or The New Generation, is an English political novel by Benjamin Disraeli published in 1844.

Background

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.

Story

The story of the novel follows the life and career of Henry Coningsby, the orphan grandson of a wealthy marquess, called 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 he 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 to become a barrister. This proof of his character impresses Edith's father (who had previously also been hostile) and he consents to their marriage at last. By the end of the novel Coningsby is elected to Parliament for his new father-in-law's constituency and his fortune is restored.

The character of Coningsby himself is based on George Smythe.

The themes, and some of the characters, reappear in Disraeli's later novels Sybil, and Tancred.

Characters

• Philip Augustus, Marquess of Monmouth (Lord Cardiff)
• Henry Coningsby, Esq.
• Sir Charles Buckhurst
• Lord Eskdale
• Duke of Beaumanoir
• Lord Henry Sydney
• Lord Vere
• Lord Fitz-Booby
• Sir Joseph Wallinger
• Lady Wallinger
• Oswald Millbank
• Edith Millbank
• Paul Prince Colonna
• Madame Colonna
• Lucretia Princess Colonna
• Lucian Gay
• Mr. Nicolas Rigby
• Mr. Taper
• Mr. Tadpole
• Mr. Ormsby
• Armand Villebecque
• Marie Estelle Matteau (Stella)
• Flora Villebecque (La Petite)
• Sidonia

See also

Novels portal

• Young England
• Politics in fiction

External links

• Coningsby at Project Gutenberg

References

• Oxford Companion to English Literature, 4th ed., 1967