Kenelm Chillingly - Complete

by Edward Bulwer-Lytton

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

Genres: Classics

489 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1873

About the author

Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton PC, was an English novelist, poet, playwright, and politician. Lord Lytton was a florid, popular writer of his day, who coined such phrases as "the great unwashed", "pursuit of the almighty dollar", "the pen is mightier than the sword", and the infamous incipit "It was a dark and stormy night."

He was the youngest son of General William Earle Bulwer of Heydon Hall and Wood Dalling, Norfolk and Elizabeth Barbara Lytton, daughter of Richard Warburton Lytton of Knebworth, Hertfordshire. He had two brothers, William Earle Lytton Bulwer (1799–1877) and Henry Bulwer, 1st Baron Dalling and Bulwer.

Lord Lytton's original surname was Bulwer, the names 'Earle' and 'Lytton' were middle names. On 20 February 1844 he assumed the name and arms of Lytton by royal licence and his surname then became 'Bulwer-Lytton'. His widowed mother had done the same in 1811. His brothers were always simply surnamed 'Bulwer'.

Reviews

[Nicole C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kenelm Chillingly is the son of noble parents, but he doesn't seem to quite fit in. Too philosophical for his own good, really. His father feels he should embark on a Grand Tour, but while his father is making formal preparations to do so, Kenelm sets out on his own, and the bulk of the books talk of his adventures and the people he meets along the way. He who scoffs at love eventually falls in it, and it really changes him. I'd never read any Bulwer-Lytton before, but he is very fond of the purple prose!

[Aruzhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is the best book I have ever read. The main character Kenelm Chillingly is very polite, mindful and wisdom person. I learnt so many things from him. I suggest it to young readers, although adults can like it. However, the weirdest thing is how this book ends. I read like all chapters in few days and stopped, when it came to the last chapter( I thought that he will marry to Lili( if I don’t forget her name)). After few days, I started to read last chapter, and I was just shocked. Actually after book, I read author’s life, so I guess this story from his life.

[Erin Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Words

...200 years ago...and humankind is yet the same. We flow onwards... terribly beautiful, beautifully tragic. Bulwers novels are almost always too much to really take in without overflowing. This, lighthearted though at first it seemed to be, is no different. Recommended at all costs, as with all his other works.

[Ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

The wit & wisdom of Kenelm Chilingly