Curiosities of Literature served as the cornerstone of Isaac D'Israeli's career, compiling diverse historical anecdotes and bibliophilic observations into a collection that saw eleven editions by 1839. This work solidified his reputation as a scholar of letters, moving beyond his initial ventures in fiction to establish a distinct path within British literary history during the nineteenth century.
Early Development and Literary Beginnings
Born in 1766 in the London Borough of Enfield, Isaac was the son of Benjamin D'Israeli, a Sephardic merchant who migrated from Cento, Italy, to Britain in 1748. Following his formative education at Leiden University, he launched his literary pursuits at age sixteen by composing verses addressed to Samuel Johnson. He soon became a regular presence among the literary circle of publisher John Murray.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Novels and Social Commentary
In 1797, D'Israeli published the romantic novel Vaurien, which examined radical political circles in the aftermath of the French Revolution. While conservative critics favored his satire of revolutionary zeal, they expressed discomfort over his sympathetic portrayal of a destitute woman forced into prostitution. Simultaneously, the work included an ardent defense of the Jewish community, challenging contemporary treatment of Jews in England.
Family Life and Religious Transitions
He married Maria Basevi in 1802, and the couple had five children: Sarah, Benjamin, Naphtali, Raphael, and Jacobus. Although the children were initially raised according to Jewish traditions, an eight-year conflict with the Bevis Marks Synagogue prompted D'Israeli to have them baptised into the Church of England in 1817. Despite this shift, he remained personally unbaptised and continued to identify with his Jewish heritage until his death.
Scholarly Contributions and Final Years
His academic output included historical biographies and collections such as Calamities of Authors and Quarrels of Authors. His study, The Life and Reign of Charles I, earned him a D.C.L. from the University of Oxford. After losing his sight in 1841, he continued working with his daughter as an amanuensis to produce Amenities of Literature. He died of influenza at Bradenham in 1848.
Fast facts
- Born: 1766, London Borough of Enfield
- Died: 1848, Bradenham
- Education: Leiden University
- Spouse: Maria Basevi
- Notable Work: Curiosities of Literature
- Major Honour: D.C.L., University of Oxford
- Primary Occupation: Literary historian and writer
Questions readers ask
Did Isaac D'Israeli convert to Christianity?
No. While his children were baptised into the Church of England in 1817, D'Israeli himself never received baptism and maintained no desire to convert.
What was the subject of his most popular book?
Curiosities of Literature focused on historical anecdotes, unusual books, and the specific habits of book collectors throughout history.
Achievements
- Affiliated with John Murray
- Educated at Leiden University
- Worked as literary historian, writer and literary critic
