The collection consists of four items: note, signed D., circa 1833, about a corrected copy of Alroy for Routledge; galley proof of Disraeli's biographical notice for Men of the Time, circa 1851, with Disraeli's comments and corrections; note, unsigned, circa 1852, with a correction for his biography of Ld. George Bentinck; carte-de-visite photograph by W. & D. Downey, undated, bust-like pose.
In Rare Books and Manuscripts, University Libraries, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA (#1976-0128R/VF Lit)
Source of Acquisition:
Purchased, 1976-1991.
Administrative History:
Author, statesman, and orator nonpareil, Benjamin Disraeli rose to prominence on his rhetorical genius. Powered by ambition, vision, and ego, he used his verbal gifts to achieve his goals, writing fiction to stave off debt and non-fiction to advance his political purposes. He held various jobs before finally being elected to the House of Commons, where his acute analytical mind and speaking ability made him party leader and, ultimately, Prime Minister. His fertile, versatile, and witty style has made him one of the most quotable writers in the English language.
