Isaac Disraeli
Isaac Disraeli
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Isaac D'Israeli was born as Isacco Levi on October 11, 1766, in Kallabash, a small village near Calabria, Italy. He later adopted the surname Disraeli from his mother's family.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: October 11, 1766
Died: April 19, 1848
Nationality and Profession(s)
Isaac D'Israeli was a British writer, historian, and scholar of Italian descent. He is best known for his literary critiques, historical writings, and intellectual biographies.
Early Life and Background
Isaac Disraeli's early life was marked by turmoil and displacement. His family fled their home in Calabria due to the tumultuous state of Italy during the late 18th century. They eventually settled in England, where Isaac received a good education despite facing financial struggles.
Disraeli's love for literature and learning became apparent from an early age. He was particularly drawn to the works of classical authors such as Dante Alighieri and Petrarca. These influences shaped his future writings and scholarly pursuits.
Major Accomplishments
Isaac Disraeli made significant contributions to various fields, including:
Literary Criticism: His book "Calamities and Quarrels of Authors" (1814) is a celebrated work that provides insightful critiques of literary figures from the past.
Historical Writings: Disraeli's "The Literary Character" series (1841-1843) offers thought-provoking biographies of prominent writers and intellectuals.
Intellectual Biographies: His works on notable individuals, such as Michelangelo Buonarroti and Raphael Santi, demonstrate his skill in analyzing the lives and achievements of artists.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Disraeli's most notable writings include:
"Calamities and Quarrels of Authors" (1814)
"The Literary Character" series (1841-1843)
"Curiosities of Literature" (1791-1823)
"Amenities of Literature; Consisting of Scraps, Literary Anecdotes, and Opinions, etc." (1858)
These works showcase Disraeli's expertise in literary analysis, historical research, and biographical writing.
Impact and Legacy
Isaac D'Israeli left an indelible mark on the world of literature and scholarship. His writings have inspired generations of writers, historians, and intellectuals.
Disraeli's most significant legacy lies in his ability to shed light on the lives and works of famous figures from various fields. Through his writing, he has provided readers with a deeper understanding of literary history, cultural significance, and artistic expression.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Isaac D'Israeli is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
Influence on Literary Criticism: His critiques have set the standard for literary analysis, influencing generations of scholars and writers.
Historical Significance: Disraeli's works offer valuable insights into the lives and achievements of prominent artists, writers, and intellectuals.
Intellectual Biographies: His biographical writings demonstrate his skill in analyzing complex individuals and their contributions to society.
In conclusion, Isaac D'Israeli was a remarkable figure whose contributions to literature, history, and intellectual biographies continue to inspire and educate readers today.
Quotes by Isaac Disraeli
Isaac Disraeli's insights on:
Miscellanists are the most popular writers among every people; for it is they who form a communication between the learned and the unlearned, and, as it were, throw a bridge between those two great divisions of the public.
The Plagiarism of orators is the art, or an ingenious and easy mode, which some adroitly employ to change, or disguise, all sorts of speeches of their own composition, or that of other authors, for their pleasure, or their utility; in such a manner that it becomes impossible even for the author himself to recognise his own work, his own genius, and his own style, so skilfully shall the whole be disguised.
Beware of the man of one book. [Lat., Home unius libri, or, cave ab homine unius libri.]
Whenever we would prepare the mind by a forcible appeal, an opening quotation is a symphony preluding on the chords whose tones we are about to harmonize.
A nickname a man may chance to wear out; but a system of calumnity, pursued by a faction, may descend even to posterity. This principal has taken full effect on this state favorite.
Great collections of books are subject to certain accidents besides the damp, the worms, and the rats; one not less common is that of the borrowers, not to say a word of the purloiners
It does not at first appear that an astronomer rapt in abstraction, while he gazes on a star, must feel more exquisite delight than a farmer who is conducting his team.
The most noble criticism is that in which the critic is not the antagonist so much as the rival of the author.