Lawrence Goldman, an Emeritus Fellow in History at Oxford, Emily Jones, a Modern British History lecturer at Manchester, and Daisy Hay, a Professor of English Literature, delve into the life of Benjamin Disraeli. They discuss his dual role as Prime Minister and novelist, his contributions to One Nation Conservatism, and the societal themes in his novel 'Sybil.' The trio also explores Disraeli's complex identity, his bond with Queen Victoria, and his long-lasting impact on British politics and literature.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the rebellion that broke out in Jamaica on 11th October 1865 when Paul Bogle (1822-65) led a protest march from Stony Gut to the courthouse in nearby Morant Bay. There were many grounds for grievance that day and soon anger turned to bloodshed. Although the British had abolished slavery 30 years before, the plantation owners were still dominant and the conditions for the majority of people on Jamaica were poor. The British governor suppressed this rebellion brutally and soon people in Jamaica lost what right they had to rule themselves. Some in Britain, like Charles Dickens, supported the governor's actions while others, like Charles Darwin, wanted him tried for murder. The image above is from a Jamaican $2 banknote, printed after Paul Bogle became a National Hero in 1969.With Matthew J Smith Professor of History and Director of the Centre for the Study of the Legacies of British Slavery at University College LondonDiana Paton The William Robertson Professor of History at the University of EdinburghAndLawrence Goldman Emeritus Fellow in History at St Peter’s College, University of OxfordProducer: Simon Tillotson

Lawrence Goldman, an Emeritus Fellow in History, Emily Jones, a Modern British History lecturer, and Daisy Hay, a Professor of English Literature, dive into the life of Benjamin Disraeli. They discuss his dual identity as a Jewish leader in a changing Britain and the birth of One Nation Conservatism. The conversation highlights how Disraeli's novel *Sybil* critiqued 19th-century materialism and ignited social justice themes. They also explore his close relationship with Queen Victoria and his lasting literary and political legacy.