Sybil, Or, The Two Nations

Sybil Or the Two Nations by Benjamin Disraeli, the earl of Beaconsfield, is about the Chartists' attempt to secure more rights for the working class during the mid-to-late 19th century. Excerpt: «I'll take the odds against Caravan.» «In poneys?» «Done.» And Lord Milford, a young noble, entered in his book the bet which he had just made with Mr. Latour, a grey-headed member of the Jockey Club. It was the eve of the Derby of 1837. In a vast and golden saloon, that in its decorations would have become, and in its splendor would not have disgraced, Versailles in the days of the grand monarch, were assembled many whose hearts beat at the thought of the morrow, and whose brains still labored to control its fortunes to their advantage."