Part of the "A History of The Conservative Party" series, this text examines the impact of Disraeli and the rise of Tory democracy. Amongst the areas covered are the 1968 election, Disraeli's uncertain leadership 1869-1872, Disraeli's high years 1874-1878 and the election of 1880.

After his 1867 reform act has established a 'democratic' franchise in the boroughs, Disraeli's attempts to reconcile the elements of what became known as Tory Democracy were judged by most contemporary Conservatives as at best risky and at worst a betrayal - yet the party triumphantly, if painfully, adapted. This long-awaited contribution to the histroy shows us, behind Disraeli's vain attempt to preserve aristiocratic politics in an age of popular franchise, the formative beginnings of suburban Conservatism that was to make the fortune of the party.

Prologue - the name and nature of Tory democracy. Part 1 From Derby to Disraeli - 1868: re-establishing Toryism on a national foundation
conducting government on sufferance
the election of 1868. Part 2 The making of Disraelian Conservatism - 1869-74: Disraeli's uncertain leadership - 1869-72
arts of management - 1869-1873
better times - 1872-3
Toryism re-established - 1873-4. Part 3 Disraeli's high years - 1974-8: resuming where Lord Palmerston left off
"More than one useful measure of reform"
places, honours and careers
maintaining the Empire of England. Part 4 The undoing of Disraelian Conservatism - 1979-81: at home - "A complication of disastrous influences"
abroad - "Certainly the world is out of joint"
the election of 1880 - Toryism disestablished
Disraeli's last year - 1880-1. Epilogue - 1881 - "What is it that lies before us?"