As the series starts, Disraeli is a Byronic world traveler who has published two novels but is struggling with debt. He tries making connections in high society, and eventually runs for office several times, albeit unsuccessfully. Much of his personal life is covered, and his more successful involvement with politics starts in the second episode, which ends with his being sworn in as
Chancellor of the Exchequer. The rest of the series chronicles his rise to power, the death of his wife, his two terms as
Prime Minister, and his rivalry with
Gladstone. == Cast ==