Chapter 4: New Horizons, 1832-7

 

Item 43
Beckford regenerated
Draft letter to Disraeli by William Beckford, 19 May 1837
MS. Beckford c. 29, fols. 100r-1r

Disraeli's encounter with William Beckford (1760-1844), the author and aesthete, was not so much a stepping stone in his own life as a vital boost to the elderly writer's creativity. Beckford had been impressed by Contarini Fleming and Alroy. Henrietta Temple was less to his taste and his words of praise about the book appear never to have reached Disraeli. Disraeli's friendship with Beckford, conducted by letter with only one meeting face-to-face, energised the latter, encouraging him to work again.

For his part Disraeli was pleased to know a man of 'the greatest taste'. In this draft letter to Disraeli Beckford regrets that he had not received a copy of the newly-published Venetia and appears to have some difficulty finding the right words to close the letter.