Vivian Grey

"Vivian Grey" is Benjamin Disraeli's first novel, published in 1827. Originally published anonymously, ostensibly by a so-called "man of fashion," it 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.

"Vivian Grey" follows its eponymous hero from childhood through his attempt to succeed in the world of politics. The plot is a thinly-disguised re-telling of Disraeli's involvement with John Murray in the publication and failure a new newspaper, "The Representative." [Robert Blake, "Disraeli", (New York, 1966), 84-86.]

It includes the first use in print in English of the word "millionaire" (I.ix):"Were I the son of a Millionaire or a noble, I might have all". [OED]

British poet Violet Fane took pen name from heroine of this novel.

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*gutenberg|no=9840|name=Vivian Grey