Sketches by Benjamin Disraeli (1834)

Sketches is a collection of 12 short stories written by Benjamin Disraeli in 1839. The stories are set in various locations around Europe and feature a diverse cast of characters, including aristocrats, politicians, and commoners. Through these characters and their interactions, Disraeli offers biting social commentary on topics such as class, gender, and politics. The book is notable for its use of satire and irony, which Disraeli employs to expose the hypocrisy and absurdity of certain societal norms. The stories are also characterized by their concise and punchy narrative style, which adds to their humor and wit. Overall, Sketches is a masterful work of short fiction that showcases Disraeli's skill as a writer and his ability to craft engaging and thought-provoking stories.

By Benjamin Disraeli · First published 1834 · Genre: Historical, Fiction, Short Stories · 35 chapters · 53,134 words

First lines

ALTHOUGH the deepest shades of twilight had descended upon the broad bosom of the valley, and the river might almost be recognised only by its rushing sound, the walls and battlements of the castle of Charolois, situate on one of the loftiest heights, still blazed in the reflected radiance of the setting sun, and cast, as it were, a glance of triumph at the opposing castle of Branchimont, that rose on the western side of the valley, with its lofty turrets and its massy keep black and sharply defined against the resplendent heaven.

What this Textopian page supports

Sketches is listed on Textopian as a short story by Benjamin Disraeli, dated 1834 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Short story
• Author: Benjamin Disraeli
• Date: 1834 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Historical, Fiction, Short Stories, Literary, Social Commentary
• Length: 53,134 words
• Structure: 35 chapters, 572 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for Sketches by Benjamin Disraeli
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

• What should a reader notice first when entering Sketches?
• How does this short story by Benjamin Disraeli fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Historical first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

• Endymion by Benjamin Disraeli
• The Policeman And The Citizen by Ambrose Bierce
• The Young Duke by Benjamin Disraeli
• Lothair by Benjamin Disraeli
• Summer In England 1914 by Alice Meynell
• Chippinge Borough by Stanley J. Weyman

Genres

• Historical — The writings depict customs, social life, historical facts and events from earlier periods
• Fiction — Depicts stories from the author's imagination
• Short Stories — Comprises of individual and distinct narratives or tales
• Literary — Reflects the author's unique and distinguished writing style

Tags

political satire · historical fiction · social commentary · literary criticism · biographical fiction · romance · travel writing · autobiography · memoir · historical romance · political intrigue · social justice

Contents

• "Charolois and Branchimont"
• CHAPTER I
• CHAPTER I
• CHAPTER I
• CHAPTER I
• "Object of the Whigs"
• "Henrietta"
• "A Philosophical Conversation between a Physician and His Patient."
• CHAPTER I
• CHAPTER I
• CHAPTER I
• CHAPTER I
• CHAPTER I
• CHAPTER I
• "A Pert Page"
• "Parliamentary Reform"
• "A Fair Presentment"
• "Containing Some Future Conversation"
• "Love's Messenger"
• "The Menace to England"
• "The Mysterious Stranger"
• "Containing a Drive in the Park with a Very Charming Lady."
• "A Cruel Dart"
• "The English Constitution"
• "Mr. Ferrers Dines with the Consul"
• "Another Message"
• "A True Democracy"
• "A Tender Avowal"
• "Flight and Discovery"
• "Results of Whiggism"
• "The Famous Lord Bohun"
• "The Dove Returns to Imogene"
• "More Mystery"
• "A Welcome Message"
• "The Mystery Revealed"

More by Benjamin Disraeli

• A True Story (1878)
• Sybil, or the Two Nations (1845)
• Coningsby or the New Generation (1840)
• Count Alarcos a Tragedy (1823)
• The Voyage of Captain Popanilla (1827)
• Lothair (1870)
• The Rise of Iskander (1874)
• Vivian Grey (1826)
• All works by Benjamin Disraeli