Isaac D’Israeli

Date of Birth: May 11, 1766

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: January 19, 1848

Biography

Isaac D’Israeli was a distinguished British writer, scholar, and man of letters of the early 19th century. Born into a Sephardic Jewish family, D’Israeli was known for his wit, erudition, and literary pursuits. He made significant contributions to English literature and was the father of Benjamin Disraeli, who would later become one of Britain’s most famous Prime Ministers. D’Israeli’s literary works often focused on historical and literary anecdotes, and his most notable work, “Curiosities of Literature,” remains a valuable resource for readers interested in the peculiarities and trivia of literary history. He was a member of several literary societies and was well-regarded for his insight into the lives of writers and the intricacies of literary creation.

5 Interesting Facts about Isaac D’Israeli

1. Isaac D’Israeli was born in Enfield, Middlesex, England.

2. He was educated at a private school and later attended Leiden University in the Netherlands.

3. D’Israeli converted to Christianity in 1817, which allowed his son Benjamin Disraeli to pursue a political career.

4. He published “Curiosities of Literature” in several volumes between 1791 and 1834, which became immensely popular.

5. D’Israeli suffered from poor eyesight, yet he continued to write and research extensively throughout his life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Isaac D’Israeli

1. “The wisdom of the wise, and the experience of ages, may be preserved by quotation.”

2. “To write a book is to engage oneself in a kind of warfare.”

3. “It is a wretched taste to be gratified with mediocrity when the excellent lies before us.”

4. “A poet begins in delight and ends in wisdom.”

5. “The delight of opening a new pursuit, or a new course of reading, imparts the vivacity and novelty of youth even to old age.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Isaac D’Israeli’s wealth was relatively modest compared to contemporary standards, especially given the era’s constraints on literary earnings. His highest net worth is estimated to have been around £50,000 in today’s money, derived mainly from his literary works and family assets.

Children

Isaac D’Israeli had five children with his wife, Maria Basevi. His most famous child was Benjamin Disraeli, who became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and one of the most influential political figures in British history. His other children were Sarah, Naphtali, Ralph, and James.