The Fry Chronicles: An Autobiography

By Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry, star of Wilde and host of QI , is firmly established as a celebrated cultural figure. But when he 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, now the star of House, and Emma Thompson. This is the hilarious and utterly compelling story of how the Stephen the world knows (or thinks it knows) took his first steps in the worlds of 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Group
• Release date: Jan 19, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468300192

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is an award-winning writer, comedian, actor, and director. He rose to fame in A Bit of Fry & Laurie and Jeeves and Wooster. He hosted over 180 episodes of QI, and narrated the audio versions of the Harry Potter novels. His books include four novels and three volumes of autobiography. He lives in Los Angeles and London.

Reviews for The Fry Chronicles

[pferdina · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Enjoyed this autobiography. It covers roughly the years from mid-to-late 1970s to the 1990s when Fry was at Cambridge University and after that as he started his career in theater and comedy. Lots of new vocabulary words to look up!

[pdcread · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A must read for any of Fry's fans

[thecrow2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The second book of Fry`s autobiography (not surprisingly) just as good and entertining as the first one was. We can follow his life from the beginning of his university tears to the beginning of being `famous`. Obviously it`s my fault not the author`s that I simply don`t know the British theater/movie world enough to know everyone mentioned and to understand every little references.

[aront-2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I actually liked this volume a bit better than Moab. Sure there is quite a bit of tedious self abasement and apologies. But not as much as in the first - probably because he is writing about a thoroughly happy and successful part of his life. I also didn't mind his writing about his fellow comedians and the theater/TV world as it gives one insight into how these things actually work. Plus I love many of the shows discussed, particularly Blackadder.

Having said that, I sorely lament the abysmal lack of editing done on this book. It reads like it went from Fry's word processor straight to print. A good editor could have added at least one star.

Finally, I recommend the ebook version. The iBooks built in dictionary was a huge help! The most hilarious part is there were certain words even the dictionary couldn't define. You have to love that Fry's erudition!

[devil_llama · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Some books are very good in general, but wear out their welcome about halfway through - and sometimes you are aware before you are halfway through that the book is going to wear out its welcome soon, and that makes it worse. This is one of those books. Very clever in many parts, but too bogged down in minutiae, so that it takes more than 400 pages to detail an approximately seven year period in the author's life. Perhaps I expected too much. I expected it to be on a par with Jules Feiffer's marvelous autobiography, but the author here is too self-conscious, trying too hard at times to live up to his reputation as a wit, and too apologetic for being intellectually oriented. Really, it does get tedious after the first 34 mentions that he sees himself basically as a twit because he had the benefit of a Cambridge education, and feels like that somehow makes him inauthentic. Also, I have learned in my life to steer clear of people who proclaim loudly that they are a Mac user...this merely reinforced that conviction as he looked down his nose at non-Mac users who he feels are inherently delusional, or something. Another group to steer clear of is those who feel they need to lecture non-smokers about how radical, rebellious, and coolly artistically creative it is to be a smoker, and the rest of the world are Puritan prudish bullies. Unfortunately, Fry falls in both categories. That isn't to say there weren't delightful moments. A great editor could have made this a great book.

[quibee · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Usually interesting, occasionally dry, occasionally laugh out loud, look at Stephen Fry's life from his college years to his first steps out into the world of entertainment, with wanderings into his life here and there as the mood takes him. At times an uncomfortably honest look at himself, which resonates with this reader.

[olegalca · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Only Stephen Fry could write over 400 pages of his life, still not get to the parts I'm interested in, and have me be happy regardless. Nice to read about the beginnings of his relationship with Hugh Laurie...

[fizzypops-1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Sorry, Stephen: love your work, love QI, love SF in America. But this is so much self-indulgent drivel I really couldnt bring myself to finish it. A nauseating self-portrait of privilege and fame, the constant name-checking, the "lovely" people...etc, etc, etc. A huge disappointment.

[bkmeredith · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I shouldn't have liked this book.

It details life in Cambridge University and blinds with references to classical literature, Wagner, playwrights and grand English life. I am bamboozled with the names of a lot these cultural figures and most mean nothing to me. These are not things I am interested in. This is a recipe for a poor read.

Except the way Stephen Fry tells it I AM interested in all these things. His use of unnecessarily intricate language is quaint and quirky rather than mind-numbing. His self deprecating comments come across as honest rather than whining.

In conclusion I should have hated it.

Instead, I really liked it.

[mstrust · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The latest of Fry's autobiographies, this one covers some of his school years, Cambridge, the beginning years of show business and many years since. He discusses his relationships with people such as Emma Thompson, Rowan Atkinson and Hugh Laurie, that famous article about his celibacy, and his feelings about depression and bi-polar disorder.

[edvard-61 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have such mixed feelings about this book. It was fun and light to read, and in places offered a little insight into who Stephen Fry is and behind the scenes of those old tv shows you love, Blackadder and Fry and Laurie, as well as how musicals get made and the processes in their success. But it was all touched on so lightly, it was only mentioned, in a great rush, as if he was quickly trying to catch you up with what he had been up to before one of you had to get off the bus. The book read mostly like a list of accomplishments. There were set pieces that described his insecurity but they didn't blend with the rest of the book.I would have liked more depth, and more variety. Nearly everyone in the book is described as brilliantly talented and friendly and usually an old friend from oxford or cambridge. There is no rising and falling, no mood swings, no heartache and despite telling us there was, there doesnt feel like there is any doubt or hesitation or pain. Its just ten years of things going amazingly swimmingly with little effort. Was there any effort? I imagine there must have been but it is hardly mentioned. He writes of the work he puts in but it doesnt feel like you are reading about the work. Perhaps this is a result of his style of writing, he has a light touch that is less suited to autobiography? I dont know. It wasnt a problem for 'Moab'. 'Moab' had much more of what this one lacked: struggle. If this was just how his life was, then it does unfortunately make for a bland autobiography.

[autumngirl70 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fascinating insight into his life. I came to Fry via Jeeves and Wooster and some of his other comedy. Didn't know very much about his early life and some of his troubles. Thoroughly recommend this if he is someone you have watched. I listened to the audio version and it was great having Fry tell you the story himself. With his references to the reader, and listeners it's as though there are only the two of you.

[stuart10er_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Enjoyable part 2 of his (evidently) 3 part autobiography. I hadn't read part 1 - so I was a little in the dark. But this covered his years from the start of University to the start of his fame, Blackadder, et al.

[wildeaboutoscar · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Although at times rather too self-deprecating, you really do get a sense of Fry's personality and his mindset (particularly in terms of his mental illness). Thoroughly enjoyable, Fry is an eloquent writer, but who would have expected anything less?

[charlottejones952 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

You can't really describe the plot of an autobiography because this is the point of reading the story of someone's life. I have to say that the "plot" of this book is captivating. I am a fan of all of Stephen Fry's work from A Bit of Fry and Laurie to QI. I have a huge respect for this great national treasure and it was interesting to find out more about his education and career. I found it all to be very insightful about an acting/writing career and enjoyed hearing of the funny stories of his past.

Many famous and wonderful people are mentioned in this book, many of whom I recognise as being brilliant; Emma Thompson, Hugh Laurie and Rowan Atkinson play a large part in this book, but also Douglas Adams (author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy), Chris Barrie (who later starred in Red Dwarf) and Robert Lindsay, amongst others, are also mentioned.

The writing is what made me pick this book up in the first place. It is written in such as way that it feels as though Stephen Fry is speaking to you and, in fact, on several occasions he directly addresses the reader which makes you really connect with what you are reading. It was difficult to get into at first but I got into it after a few pages and just loved the intelligence that seeps out of this style of writing whilst still sounding real and even using some swear words. The ending shocked me and definitely suggests a follow-up which I am now really looking forward to reading.

I would give this 5 out of 5 stars and would recommend it to any lover of Stephen Fry and anyone who is interested in biographies/autobiographies because I promise you this is one of the best you'll read.

[mtroper-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Having only read Stephen Fry's fiction (I thoroughly enjoyed Liar and Hippopotamus, eg.), I was bought this as a present and didn't know quite what to expect.Like his fiction his style here is, for me, somewhat frenetic, and my major concern was that without some kind of narrative ideal or plot to hang it on this results in somewhat of a mess. Fry himself apologises, perhaps too frequently, for factors which he know contributes to this kind of problem for some readers, and it is true that autobiography ought not to conform to the same principles. However, despite actually feeling like I came away knowing more about Stephen Fry, and liking how open, honest and unashamed he is, I wonder if simply coming up with something, anything, to hang the almost splurge of information and opinions on would have improved it greatly.All that said, the psychological portrait presented is acute and obviously well-realised, and perhaps the style adopted makes this easier: the pages read like his thoughts, almost unedited, and contribute to a picture of a person, rather than a 'celebrity' or caricature (which often modern biographies can do).Overall, I can't say I would rush out to by part two, but it does make me want to read more of his fiction!

[ericfitz08 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A witty, honest look into Mr. Fry's young adulthood, from his years at Cambridge to the launch of A Bit of Fry and Laurie. As with much of his work, The Fry Chronicles is carried by his wit and intelligence and his ability to turn a critical eye towards himself. This book is as filled with amusing anecdotes as it is with apologies for his petty complaining (he seems constantly worried that his complaints will, in the light of his wealth and good fortune offend readers of lesser means). Of course, this only makes him more endearing to the reader. We all realize that problems and unhappiness are not the sole providence of have-nots, but it shows a certain degree of humility to recognize the blessings that were being lavished and regret some of the petulant complaints that we all at some time entertain.

The material here is not too heavy, his biggest concerns are familiar to any young adult, acceptance, success, finding your niche, but Stephen Fry is a fine writer and that elevates this volume above the drivel of so many other celebrities. That is really all there is to know, Stephen Fry is an actor, comedian, author, playwright, techie, twitter master, and celebrity extraordinaire that has written a funny and interesting book and I would recommend you read it on the basis that it is an enjoyable and interesting book to read. It is not an inspiration, a how-to guide, a setting straight of any records, nor a revealing tell-all. But do read it anyway, it really is quite good.

[teaswirls · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A brilliant look into a section of a brilliant man's life. I can't wait for the next installment.

[lara335 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Wonderfully written, actually liked the name-dropping, and very pleased that superman Stephen Fry got a 2:1 and that Hugh Laurie got a 3rd, I paraphrase: 'he would be the first to admit that you know more about palaeontology than he does'.It falls slightly short of the 5* because Stephen is so intent on being charming, that I don't quite understand how he comes across as being not emotionally bothered that his live-in-lover takes a live-in-lover. Surely if he is not perturbed, he should be perturbed about not being naturally perturbed? A small gripe, found this funny, revealing, and very entertaining.

[scubasue59 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A great use of words- no surprise there then! Funny and honest (I think!), displaying a certain vulnerablilty.

[miss_giles · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I think Fry's autobiography is fantastic. While I was reading the book, I was amazed about the stories he told about when he was younger. Some parts were really funny, and some parts I thought were lovely.

[martensgirl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I always find it difficult to review an autobiography- it's tricky to comment on the book without being rude about someone's life! This book describes Fry's life from entering university to reaching his thirtieth birthday. It is a funny book; Fry is a funny man. He cannot fail to enthrall me with his writing. However, I did not find his description of his showbiz life all that entertaining. Having said that, we are talking about the 1980s here, so maybe all his talk of gadgets, cars and fame is entirely accurate- it was a very shallow era.My main criticism of the book is the lack of personal insight, it reads rather like a well-researched biography, with lots of showbiz names. We don't get to know much about Fry's inner workings. Maybe he was so busy working that he didn't have time to reflect, who knows? Moab is My Washpot is far more revealing, and I expected the Chronicles to be of a similar hue. The book ends with Fry beginning to dabble with narcotics- I look forward to the next installment.

[thebookjunky · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

There's an awful lot of "I" even for an autobiography. He's funny it's true, smart too, it's true, awkwardly honest in a i-hope-you-will-like-me-more-for-my-self-deprecation kind of way. Earnestly trying to be relaxed. But a fascinating man, with such a love of language. He describes a generously admiring and warm view of his famous friends.

[helenleech · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This autobiography, which covers his young adult years, made me wonder what's truer: our view of Stephen Fry or his own? I think he's intelligent, articulate, accomplished, and charming. He thinks he has wasted his talents, and claims to be deceitful and pretentious and obsessed with fame. Over the course of the book you come to believe that he believes this: his self-loathing comes through loud and clear. I think that he is self-deluding: but there again, maybe I am too. What's objectively clear is that he is hard-working, enormously articulate, has a phenomenal memory and tells a good story. It's nice to think that we can still produce national treasures in the Peter Ustinov mould.

[cynara_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Funny, touching, and interesting, particularly to those who know something about the English comedy community in the '70s and '80s. If it isn't quite as riveting and appealing to a wide audience as the brilliant first volume of Fry's memoirs, Moab is my Washpot, which covered his childhood and youth, that isn't entirely its fault.Although Fry spends quite a bit of time in introspection, his main subject is his university education and early career. A professional memoir that isn't a dirty tell-all can get a bit... burbly. I have great respect and affection for Fry, but there's no doubt that he does, at times, burble.While Moab was about the near-universal experiences of school, family, depression, and first love, this book is much more concerned with Fry's pleasant and generous recollections of Rowan Atkinson, Hugh Laurie, Ben Elton, et al. The only people who come in for any zingers are Robbie Coltrane and, overwhelmingly, Fry himself.

[araliaslibrary2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

ok, so it's not perfect (there is too much apologising, for which i know stephen would wish to apologise, if he hadn't already, at length, in the book), and therefore perhaps doesn't deserve the 5 stars i have lavished on it. but it's a lovely warm book, where everyone is mostly very happy, and it's very readable, with some great student-y photographs on shiny pages. i enjoyed it a lot, though. so 5 stars.

[cluckily_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Extremely enjoyable, but dragged a bit in the theatrical descriptions.

[christinelstanley · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this! I laughed out loud whilst sitting by myself or in the car. I know that I would find anyone else using so many words when one will do quite infuriating, and repeatedly going off at a tangent usually annoys me, but this time, I loved it and savoured every minute. I'm a few years younger than Stephen Fry (but not so many), that I recognised all the places, people, news, fashions, emerging technology and trends of the eighties he refers to. This may have contributed to the 5 stars awarded. FAB-U-LOU

[mairangiwoman · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

began in a humorous, well written manner but deteriorated into somewhat tedious relating of his best days as a comedian and actor. Rather too focussed on the 'me me' despite his apparent humility and modesty. Gave up sometime after half way.

[simbacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Most interesting in that he refers so much to writers and performers that we are most familiar with as well as his experiences in places that are also very familiar. very entertaining writing. - typical Fry.