Born in London, England, Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), the 1st Earl of Beaconsfield, influenced British politics for more than three decades as prime minister (1868 and 1874-1880), statesman, and author.

“No government,” he wrote, “can be long secure without a formidable opposition.”

Disraeli became the leader of the Tory protectionists in 1848. “Life is too short to be small,” he said.

In the midst of Victorianism, the statesman became England's first and only Jewish prime minister. He was a conservative who favored a political partnership with the working and middle classes and believed strongly in preserving the monarchy.

“The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches,” he explained, “but reveal to them their own.”

He published his first novel, Vivian Grey, in 1826, followed by the political novels Coningsby (1844) and Sybil (1846).

“Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think,” he said.

Delighted by the blossom of the primrose, Disraeli often presented Queen Victoria with small bouquets. After his death, prominent Conservatives formed the “Primrose League,” an organization honoring the great prime minister and the ideals he championed.