Chapter 5: II. Young England

Item 56
Political Cartoon
'The Ultimate or Crowning Triumph of the new Christo-Judean creed (of the pure Caucasian race) Intended for special edification of Young England, by HB, published by T. Maclean, London, 1844
John Johnson Political Cartoons 6 (223)

This cartoon can be interpreted on several levels, none of which is flattering to Disraeli. His views on religion are ridiculed, his true ambitions questioned and, in a none-too-subtle way, the once familar dandyish ringlets are restyled. Young England is warned off. Disraeli was regularly depicted in cartoons many of which, like 'Old Clothes', were openly anti-Semitic. The spoof play bill is in a similar vein. Such negative images may have contributed to his 'Sphinx'-like, stoical public persona.