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Stephen Fry
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The Fry Chronicles: An Autobiography Kindle Edition

by Stephen Fry (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 1,459 ratings
Goodreads Choice Award nominee
The British actor, writer, and comedy legend tells his story: “Funny, poignant . . . His prose feels like an ideal form of conversation.” —The Washington Post

A #1 Sunday Times Bestseller

When Stephen Fry arrived at Cambridge, he was a convicted thief, an addict, and a failed suicide, convinced that he would be expelled. Instead, university life offered him love and the chance to entertain. He befriended bright young things like Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson, and delighted audiences with Blackadder and A Bit of Fry and Laurie. Covering most of his twenties, this is the riotous and utterly compelling story of how the Stephen the world knows (or thinks it knows) took his first steps in theater, radio, television, and film. Tales of scandal and champagne jostle with insights into hard-earned stardom. The Fry Chronicles is not afraid to confront the chasm that separates public image from private feeling, and it is marvelously rich in trademark wit and verbal brilliance.

“Charming.” —The Wall Street Journal

“Genuinely touching and often hilarious.” —Publishers Weekly
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  1. Print length
    446 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    ABRAMS Press
  4. Publication date
    January 19, 2012
  5. Reading age
    18 years and up
  6. File size
    11.9 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"You'd have to be not just very smart but witty, humorous and inventive to have had the career he has, but still more to encapsulate so much of it, playfully yet seriously, in this book."

"Charming … His compilation of crotchets can be both compelling and cockamamie." (-The Wall Street Journal )

"Heartbreaking, a delight, a lovely, comfy book." (�The Times (London) )

"Funny, poignant… His prose feels like an ideal form of conversation." (�The Washington Post )

About the Author

Stephen Fry is an award-winning comedian, actor, presenter and director. He rose to fame alongside Hugh Laurie in A Bit of Fry and Laurie (which he co-wrote with Laurie) and Jeeves and Wooster, and was unforgettable as Captain Melchett in Blackadder. He also presented Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive, his groundbreaking documentary on bipolar disorder, to huge critical acclaim. His legions of fans tune in to watch him host the popular quiz show QI each week.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07MVCF3N5
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ ABRAMS Press; 1st edition (January 19, 2012)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 19, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 11.9 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 446 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 1,459 ratings

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Stephen Fry

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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
1,459 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book an incredibly interesting read with prose that's a pleasure to read, filled with details to relish and self-deprecating humor. Moreover, the writing is amazing and engaging, and customers describe it as a candid review of a fascinating fellow. However, the pacing receives mixed reactions, with some finding it self-indulgent and boring.

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53 customers mention "Readability"49 positive4 negative

Customers find the book incredibly interesting and entertaining throughout, with the prose being a pleasure to read.

"I found this to be a very fascinating read, though not at all what I had assumed would be the life of Stephen Fry...." Read more

"...hand wringing which can be a bit tiresome, but other than that a lovely wordy read." Read more

"...However, this book was so good that I may have to try the others anyway." Read more

"I had no idea before now that Stephen Frye was so funny! This book is no exception, although at a certain point he started talking about a lot of..." Read more

32 customers mention "Insight"29 positive3 negative

Customers find the book insightful and erudite, filled with details to relish and self-deprecating humor.

"...It seems honest to the point of being utterly relatable, a candid review of a fascinating fellow." Read more

"...However if you LOVE words this is funny, and sentimental and insightful; there is a little too much angst-ridden hand wringing which can be a bit..." Read more

"...He is also very self-perceptive about his compulsive behaviors, if his self- deprecation does occasionally get wearisome...." Read more

"...He's insightful, clever, self-deprecating and draws from a vast comprehension of the world. Others have mentioned the wordiness...." Read more

31 customers mention "Humor"31 positive0 negative

Customers find the book wonderfully funny, appreciating its erudite wit and delicious linguistics.

"...However if you LOVE words this is funny, and sentimental and insightful; there is a little too much angst-ridden hand wringing which can be a bit..." Read more

"...He's insightful, clever, self-deprecating and draws from a vast comprehension of the world. Others have mentioned the wordiness...." Read more

"...I find it extremely funny, personally. His loquaciousness and wordiness are likely off-putting to some people...." Read more

"...Fry is always funny and doesn't pull any punches. He unabashedly deals with his self-medication and bi-polar condition...." Read more

21 customers mention "Character"21 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of Stephen Fry, describing it as a candid review of a fascinating fellow, with one customer noting it provides great insight into his life.

"...honest to the point of being utterly relatable, a candid review of a fascinating fellow." Read more

"...But, of course, it is the stories that really generate the interest...." Read more

"...Stephen Fry is known here in general... I think he's a treasure of a human being, if certainly infuriating at times...." Read more

"...us to learn more about one of the most entertaining and interesting artists of our time." Read more

19 customers mention "Writing quality"15 positive4 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as amazing and engaging, with one customer noting its fluid style.

"A great read for word-lovers. Stephen Fry is a real wordsmith - if you don't like big words or words for the sake of words this is probably not the..." Read more

"...Additionally, he has credits as a writer and a love of commercial and voice-over work that is refreshing...." Read more

"...engaging writer who has the ability to transport you, with his fluid writing & beautiful use of the English language, to where it is he wants you to..." Read more

"...This book, like the first book, is not an easy read and would not appeal to the masses. The ending of this book is disappointing...." Read more

11 customers mention "Honesty"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's honesty.

"...It seems honest to the point of being utterly relatable, a candid review of a fascinating fellow." Read more

"...His honesty, warmth & dark humour is refreshing, brilliant & eye opening...." Read more

"The Fry Chronicles is touching, honest and so damn amusingly revealing. I loved it and couldn't put it down...." Read more

"I found the honesty and clear lack of self confidence from the author very surprising given his on air presence...." Read more

10 customers mention "Charm"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book charming and brilliant, with one customer noting that it exceeded their expectations.

"...That is enough of a thesis for me, and his style carries it away beautifully." Read more

"...His honesty, warmth & dark humour is refreshing, brilliant & eye opening...." Read more

"I like the cover photo of the book. He looks almost like he's going to say something to me but it never happens...." Read more

"...I love Stephen Fry -- erudite, self-deprecating, charming, and extremely funny...." Read more

12 customers mention "Pacing"0 positive12 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book boring and self-indulgent, with one customer noting excessive details about school plays and another mentioning excessive angst-ridden hand-wringing.

"...is funny, and sentimental and insightful; there is a little too much angst-ridden hand wringing which can be a bit tiresome, but other than that a..." Read more

"...The book is absurdly long-winded and apologetic, self-aggrandizing and sad...." Read more

"Lots of name dropping and self-aggrandizing. I don't think he realizes what a privileged life he's lived...." Read more

"...For a non UK resident, th book has limited interest. He is outrageous in his desire to be successfully appreciated. Not always with success." Read more

Was sent first edition signed copy :)
5 out of 5 stars
Was sent first edition signed copy :)
Bought this beautiful biography of my favorite author because wanted to re-read it and got a first edition signed copy :) Amazing! Thank you a lot!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • MW
    5.0 out of 5 stars Not at all what I had anticipated
    Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I found this to be a very fascinating read, though not at all what I had assumed would be the life of Stephen Fry. It seems honest to the point of being utterly relatable, a candid review of a fascinating fellow.
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  • Charnell
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fry Chronicles
    Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    A great read for word-lovers. Stephen Fry is a real wordsmith - if you don't like big words or words for the sake of words this is probably not the book for you. However if you LOVE words this is funny, and sentimental and insightful; there is a little too much angst-ridden hand wringing which can be a bit tiresome, but other than that a lovely wordy read.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Timothy Haugh
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Pleasure of Mr. Fry's Beginnings in the Business
    Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I first became aware of Stephen Fry (along with Hugh Laurie) many years ago watching Blackadder and Jeeves & Wooster on PBS. I starting reading Mr. Fry when his novel Making History was published, a book I enjoyed a lot. Then, after not giving him much thought recently, I was hit with a barrage of Fry--Mycroft in the new Sherlock Holmes movie, a Jeeves DVD, his appearance in a rerun of Top Gear. So, when I saw this autobiography, I was in the mood to give it a try.

    His second autobiography, this volume covers Mr. Fry's life from his college years through the beginnings of his career as a writer and actor. Knowing his wit, I had high expectations for this book and they were well met. His Oxbridge cleverness (keep an eye on all those "C" chapter headings) and his pleasantly ponderous and posh turn of phrase are on brilliant display here. If nothing else, his prose is a pleasure to read.

    But, of course, it is the stories that really generate the interest. I really knew very little about Mr. Fry apart from what he's put on screen and it was fun getting to know him--his love of cars and computers, for instance. I didn't realize he was such a close friend of Emma Thompson, and it was interesting to learn about his first meeting with Laurie. His analysis of their complementary differences is quite wonderful. Along the way, we meet, of course, a whole bevy of name British actors and comedians. He is also very self-perceptive about his compulsive behaviors, if his self- deprecation does occasionally get wearisome.

    To be honest, I find tales of the rise of British actors incredibly interesting because I find their dedication to their craft to be generally better than their American counterparts. If Mr. Fry downplays his skills, he cannot hide the mass of work he did from early on to make himself a success. Additionally, he has credits as a writer and a love of commercial and voice-over work that is refreshing.

    Somehow, I missed his first autobiography, Moab Is My Washpot. I get the feeling that might be a lucky thing. In this book, he hints at his troubled youth that he covered in that book. He also hints at a decent into drugs in the years after those described here that will likely be covered in a future volume. I find neither of these topics inherently interesting and tend to stay away from them. I prefer the pleasure of a working actor/writer's story. However, this book was so good that I may have to try the others anyway.
    17 people found this helpful
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  • migrant777
    3.0 out of 5 stars Be prepared for verbiage- it's Stephen Fry
    Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I've enjoyed Stephen Fry in many online venues & have devoted much YouTube time to him. He's insightful, clever, self-deprecating and draws from a vast comprehension of the world. Others have mentioned the wordiness. I have no issue with his choosing words unfamiliar to me- there's very often a word that more precisely fits a description, and exposure is appreciated. Unfortunately, I finally gave up on the book 3/4 of the way through even after eventually having to choose to skip long listings of names & accomplishments of said names. Like a previous reviewer said, perhaps much of what he included would appeal to others who have seen the shows he speaks of. But even clever, accomplished writers could use incisive editing; with enough, I might have finished the book.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Susan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I had no idea before now that Stephen Frye was so funny! This book is no exception, although at a certain point he started talking about a lot of people that I as an American had never heard of, which isn't his fault, really.

    I think the thing that may have affected the ratings of this book generally is his style. He is hilarious live or televised, and his writing is the SAME way. I find it extremely funny, personally. His loquaciousness and wordiness are likely off-putting to some people. If you like him on you tube, etc, you will love him here, too!!!!
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  • friedsparrow
    4.0 out of 5 stars Infuriating & Endearing
    Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I read this paperback copy with a happy, conspiratory feeling -- I had mine shipped from England for $0.77 and was gloating over the fact that no one else in the U.S. would have it yet. I am continually surprised by how little Stephen Fry is known here in general... I think he's a treasure of a human being, if certainly infuriating at times.

    One blurb on the back cover says that "most readers will close this book and want to give it a hug." I can't think of an apter way to sum up the experience than that. Stephen exposes all of his quivering insecurity, stifling self-consciousness and second-guessing, embarrassments, longings, disappointments, and confusions about life. It takes enormous bravery to be this emotionally honest (especially, as he would be the first to point out, for an Englishman). This leaves him wide-open for ridicule and derision, but I felt nothing but tenderness toward Stephen Fry after reading his book. I've been a fan of him on the basis of his elocution, acting ability, and pure personality for a while; but this made me feel positively kindred toward the man. Even though I know nothing of his world, and grew up completely divorced from the culture he was steeped in, the things that he writes about resound with the most private, core aspects of human experience -- shame, uncertainty, and devouring desire.

    So yes, he goes on a bit. The book is absurdly long-winded and apologetic, self-aggrandizing and sad. But Stephen always seems absolutely sure of what he wants to say, how he wants to say it, and why. That is enough of a thesis for me, and his style carries it away beautifully.
    16 people found this helpful
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  • B Alba
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good for long car rides. Understated and cool.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    At first it reminded me of slogging through Proust when I tried that author in high school. Masses of details ad nauseam. By the time I listened very long the texture became of interest. The exposure to his creativity and shift into forward drive cheered this artist into regarding her lost years as process — not failure. Besides, he appreciated Emma read all about it.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Dodo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Britischer Humor und Wortwitz in Person
    Reviewed in Germany on September 27, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    Stephen Fry ist schon lange in Großbritannien und seit seinen Auftritten als "Gordon Gordon" in "Bones" auch in den USA eine Ikone britischen Stils. In seiner Heimat trat er lange als gediegenes Gegenstück zum etwas exaltierten Hugh Laurie in verschiedenen Comedysendungen auf (u.a. "Jeeves and Wooster"), schrieb mehrere sehr lesenswerte und witzige Romane und war so mal nebenher noch Dozent für englische Literatur an verschiedenen Unis.

    In diesem zweiten Teil seiner Autobiographie (der erste Teil "Moab is my Washpot" ist in Deutsch unter dem Titel "Kolumbus war ein Engländer" erhältlich) beschreibt Fry seine Studienzeit in Cambridge und seine Freundschaft mit verschiedenen Leuten aus seinem damaligen Theaterclub, die größtenteils heute auch sehr bekannte Schauspieler und TV-Stars geworden sind (Rowan Atkinson, Emma Thompson, Hugh Laurie, Robbie Coltrane). Ab etwa der Hälfte des Buches nimmt hier die Schilderung der Freundschaft mit Hugh Laurie viel Raum ein, die beiden sind auch bis heute enge Freunde.

    Frys Schilderungen glänzen dabei durch seinen lebendigen, leichten und doch nie oberflächlichen Stil und seine sehr sympathische Selbstkritik und Ironie.

    Das Buch liest sich wie das faszinierende Geplauder eines genialen Unterhalters und genau das ist Stephen Fry letztlich auch. Scharfsinnig, charmant, überraschend, humorvoll und dabei niemals verletzend.

    Ein Buch für alle Fry Fans - selbstverständlich.
    Aber auch eine schöne Entdeckung für Leute, die ihn "nur" als "Gordon Gordon" kennen und vielleicht gerade diesen Charakter liebgewonnen haben.
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  • marvyn david johnson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Como el descripción.
    Reviewed in Spain on August 13, 2020
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    Como el descripción.
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  • Gurnoor Grewal
    4.0 out of 5 stars A MEMOIR WORTH TRYING
    Reviewed in India on August 6, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Stephen Fry in his characteristic funny way depicts the curve his life takes.He dwells upon his friendship with Hugh Laurie(Dr House ,as we know his from the popular drama series) and his overcoming of substance abuse.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Stephen Fry is a beautiful man with a beautiful mind!
    Reviewed in France on November 5, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I expected his biographical writing to be candid, insightful, exciting, and flabbergasting! I was happily proven right! I absolutely recommend this book. I've devoured it in a week and am now looking to buy his latest bio, More Fool Me, which I understand continues where this book leaves off and perhaps even goes deeper into some of the stories and etc., just as Moab Is My Washpot, the previous bio book, leaves off just before this one begins. When I started reading this book I found out that Moab was actually the first bio, roughly covering the years, as Stephen himself writes, between birth and prison. Not being able to drop the current book however, I haven't waited to read Moab before Chronicles. But I will, no doubt! So perhaps I would recommend you either buy the three together, Moab, Chronicles and the last bio, More Fool Me, or buy them and read them one by one, or do whatever you want in any order you wish but if you like Stephen Fry, don't miss out on this jewel of his!
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  • Rod Ivan Nelson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
    Reviewed in Canada on March 2, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Brilliant man, brilliant writing, utterly fascinating, delightful and charming. For Stephen Fry, language is a source of sheer pleasure, and he uses it so beautifully. He is a treasure.
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