Description:

Benjamin Disraeli Archive, 20+ Original Signed Letters

A large archive of correspondence penned by British politician Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), addressed to the Vicar of Hughenden Church and his wife, ca. 1865-1881. Hughenden Church, now called St. Michael and All Angels' Church, is located in Buckinghamshire, England. Disraeli is closely associated with this Anglican church: he lived at nearby Hughenden Manor between 1848 and his death in 1881; he was interred in the churchyard there; and Queen Victoria erected a monument in the church chancel to her former Prime Minister in February 1882.

The archive of 22 letters and 9 envelopes ranges from January 1865 to February 1881, for a total of 50+ handwritten pages. Two undated letters are included. Disraeli's signature appears in these letters and envelopes as "B" (10); "D" (10); "B Disraeli" (4); and "Beaconsfield" (7). Inscribed in pen, pencil, and orange colored crayon. The majority of the letters were written on mourning stationery, which Disraeli used following the 1872 death of his beloved wife Mary Anne Lewis. Condition is generally very good to near fine, with expected folds and light wear. Isolated foxing and weathering. Envelopes have been letter-opened. The average size of the letters is 4.5" x 7.125."

The letters were written by Disraeli and addressed to Reverend Henry Blagden (1832-1922) and his wife Isabella Blagden née Searight (1844-1923). Reverend Blagden served as the Vicar of Hughenden Church between 1868 and 1893. Blagden proved himself a conscientious prelate, overseeing fundraising for much-needed repairs of the church and also establishing village schools. Over the 16-year period of their correspondence included here, Disraeli would serve two terms as British Prime Minister, in 1868 and between 1874-1880.

The archive is of special interest because it elucidates certain aspects of Disraeli's personal faith. Disraeli's family was of Italian Jewish heritage, and Disraeli's paternal grandfather had been a devout member of a London synagogue. Yet Disraeli's father Isaac was more secular. Disraeli and his siblings converted to Christianity in 1817. Most historians view the Disraeli family's conversion to Anglicanism as motivated by pragmatism rather than spirituality.

The archive is not exhaustively described and should be closely inspected. Please refer to catalog images for further details. Many of the letters already come with handwritten transcriptions.

The archive is comprised of, in chronological order:

- Undated, 1p autograph note signed as "B" mentioning "a great deal of business."

- Undated, 1p autograph letter signed as "D" referring to printed forms.

- Written at Grosvenor Gate, Disraeli's London residence, on January 6, 1865. 3pp autograph letter signed as "B Disraeli," accompanied by the original transmittal envelope signed as "D." Regarding a visit to Hughenden.

- Hughenden Manor, December 30, 1869. 2pp autograph letter signed as "D," and accompanied by the original transmittal envelope signed as "D." Regarding a charitable contribution to the "reg poor."

- A printed circular issued from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, ca. August 31, 1870, inscribed with an autograph note signed as "D." The back page serves as an integral address leaf also signed "D."

- Grosvenor Gate, August 19, 1872. 4pp autograph letter signed as "D" and also containing a second signature found within name of his wife "Lady Beaconsfield."

- Hughenden Manor, July 30, 1873. 3pp autograph letter signed as "D" and accompanied by the original transmittal envelope signed as "B Disraeli." Regretfully declining an invitation.

- Hughenden Manor, August 29, 1873. 2pp autograph letter signed as "B Disraeli" and accompanied by the original transmittal envelope signed as "B Disraeli." Addressed to Mrs. Blagden.

- On "Hughenden Manor" stationery but postmarked from London, September 1, 1873. 4pp autograph letter signed as "D" and accompanied by the original transmittal envelope. Regarding Dr. Ferguson's anti-diarrhea home cure, promised to "arrest cholera."

- Hughenden Manor, September 28, 1875. 4pp autograph letter signed as "D." Regarding attending a divine service.

- Hughenden Manor, October 11, 1876. 1p autograph letter signed as "Beaconsfield." Regarding a charitable donation. (Disraeli accepted Queen Victoria's honorary title of Lord Beaconsfield in August 1876.)

- Hughenden Manor, December 22, 1878. 3pp autograph letter signed as "B" and accompanied by the original transmittal envelope also signed as "B." Addressed to Mrs. Blagden and regarding an asthma attack, his "ancient foe."

- Hughenden Manor, December 24, 1878. 1p autograph letter signed as "B." Addressed to Mrs. Blagden and regarding a donation to the coal fund.

- Hughenden Manor, September 24, 1879. 2pp autograph letter signed as "Beaconsfield" and accompanied by the original transmittal envelope signed as "B." Addressed to Mrs. Blagden and concerning "organs + Church music."

- Hughenden Manor, September 30, 1879. 4pp autograph letter signed as "Beaconsfield." Regarding earmarking offertory donations "to parochial purposes" only; and the "Home + Indian missions."

- Hughenden Manor, December 8, 1879. 4pp autograph letter signed as "Beaconsfield." Addressed to Mrs. Blagden and regarding an illness.

- N.p., September 6, 1880. 1p autograph note signed as "B." The opposite page functions as an integral address leaf. Addressed to Mrs. Blagden and regarding reading material including a biography of Metternich.

- Hughenden Manor, September 17, 1880. 3pp autograph letter signed as "Beaconsfield." Regarding omissions in Disraeli's library.

- Hughenden Manor, September 19, 1880. 2pp autograph letter signed as "B." A thank you note addressed to Mrs. Blagden.

- Hughenden Manor, November 22, 1880. 3pp autograph letter signed as "B." Addressed to Mrs. Blagden and regarding a recent attack of gout, the "ferocity [of which] is renovating." Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope.

- Hughenden Manor, December 20, 1880. 2pp autograph letter signed as "B" and accompanied by the original transmittal envelope also signed "B." Addressed to Mrs. Blagden and regarding a statue.

- London, February 8, 1881. 4pp autograph letter signed as "Beaconsfield." Addressed to Mrs. Blagden regarding a summer thunderstorm which uprooted many trees, and a visit from the Duke of Buckingham recently returned from India.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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