ABSTRACT
Lord George Bentinck is an account of high political drama — among the best ever written. Lord George Bentinck, Benjamin Disraeli, and Sir Robert Peel are the stars, with Peel as the antagonist and Bentinck the subject and Disraeli the author as the protagonist team. Drawing on Disraeli’s speeches, novels, and political writings, one may discern his understanding of the British constitution. This is far from easy, however, for after his Vindication Disraeli never attempted to lay out his views systematically. Throughout his career Disraeli affirmed the fundamental, organic unity of English society. He rejected simple dichotomies among classes or interests. Bentinck certainly recognized the accuracy of Disraeli’s words, but nearly all others in Parliament who agreed with the message mistrusted Disraeli the messenger. Throughout his career Disraeli maintained the central importance of the land. In Disraeli, Bentinck recognized a kindred spirit.
