Originally published anonymously, ostensibly by a so-called "man of fashion", part 1 caused a considerable sensation in London society.

Contemporary reviewers, suspicious of the numerous solecisms contained within the text, eventually identified the young Disraeli (who did not move in high society) as the author.

Vivian attempts to organise a party around the Marquess of Carabas, and is ultimately thwarted by his inexperience and naivete in dealing with the political machine.

The plot is commonly considered to be a thinly-disguised re-telling of Disraeli's involvement with John Murray in the publication and failure of a new newspaper, The Representative.

[citation needed] Some commentators have suggested that Vivian Grey influenced Oscar Wilde in the writing of his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray.