DISRAELI, Benjamin.

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Vivian Grey. First edition of Disraeli's first novel, published when he was 21. It is semi-autobiographical, and reveals the author's political mindsight six years before his entry into politics. Indeed, ten years after publication Disraeli wrote in his diary that "in Vivian Grey I have portrayed my active and real ambition" (quoted in Bradford, p. 24).The first section was published anonymously in two volumes in April 1826, but by July of that year his authorship was confirmed. This was a blow to his reputation, as, despite its popularity, the book met with bad reviews due to its "combination of unmistakable self-exposure and reckless satire... moreover, Murray and Lockhart, men of great influence in literary circles, were deeply offended by the sneering treatment of characters based on them" (ODNB).Bound at the end of volume II is the anonymous Key to Vivian Grey. This guide to the novel first appeared in the journal The Star Chamber on 24 May 1826. Many believe it was also written by Disraeli.

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