Best Selling Books by Stephen Fry

Comedian and actor Stephen Fry''s witty and practical guide, now in paperback, gives the aspiring poet or student the tools and confidence to write and understand poetry. Stephen Fry believes that if one can speak and read English, one can write poetry. In The Ode Less Travelled, he invites readers to discover the delights of writing poetry for pleasure and provides the tools and confidence to get started. Through enjoyable exercises, witty insights, and simple step-by-step advice, Fry introduces the concepts of Metre, Rhyme, Form, Diction, and Poetics. Most of us have never been taught to read or write poetry, and so it can seem mysterious and intimidating. But Fry, a wonderfully competent, engaging teacher and a writer of poetry himself, sets out to correct this problem by explaining the various elements of poetry in simple terms, without condescension. Fry''s method works, and his enthusiasm is contagious as he explores different forms of poetry: the haiku, the ballad, the villanelle, and the sonnet, among many others. Along the way, he introduces us to poets we''ve heard of but never read. The Ode Less Travelled is not just the survey course you never took in college, it''s a lively celebration of poetry that makes even the most reluctant reader want to pick up a pencil and give it a try.

The British comedian recounts the highs and lows of his wild years: “A gifted writer with a perfect sense of comic timing and anecdote-spinning . . . Lots of fun.” —Kirkus Reviews By his early thirties, Stephen Fry—writer, comedian, star of stage and screen—had, as they say, “made it.” Much loved on British television, author of a critically acclaimed and bestselling first novel, with a glamorous and glittering cast of friends, he had more work than was perhaps good for him. As the ‘80s drew to a close, he began to burn the candle at both ends. Writing and recording by day, and haunting a never-ending series of celebrity parties, drinking dens, and poker games by night, he was a high functioning addict. He was so busy, so distracted by the high life, that he could hardly see the inevitable, headlong tumble that must surely follow . . . Filled with raw, electric extracts from his diaries of the time, More Fool Me is a brilliant, eloquent account by a man driven to create and to entertain—revealing a side to him he has long kept hidden. “Fry is an astonishingly charming fellow: erudite, playful and capable of writing in a style so intimate that readers can picture themselves sitting next to him at a splendid dinner party as he rather one-sidedly entertains the entire table.” —Slate

Adrian Healy loves to lie, and already in his public school career, marked by privilege and pederasty, he had lost the ability to differentiate between simple truth and his elaborate fictions.

In Stephen Fry in America, the beloved British comic turns his celebrated wit and insight to unearthing the real U.S. as he travels across the continent. Stephen Fry has always loved America. In fact, he came very close to being born here. His fascination for the country and its people sees him embarking on an epic journey across America, visiting each of its fifty states to discover how such a huge diversity of people, cultures, languages, and beliefs creates such a remarkable nation. Stephen starts his journey on the East Coast and zigzags across America, stopping in every state from Maine to Hawaii, talking to each state’s hospitable citizens, listening to music, visiting landmarks, viewing small-town life and America’s breathtaking landscapes, following wherever his curiosity leads him. En route he discovers the South Side of Chicago with blues legend Buddy Guy, catches up with Morgan Freeman in Mississippi, strides around with Ted Turner on his Montana ranch, marches with Zulus in Mardi Gras in New Orleans, drums with the Sioux Nation in South Dakota, joins a Georgia family for Thanksgiving, “picks” with bluegrass hillbillies, and finds himself in a Tennessee garden full of dead bodies. Whether in a club for failed gangsters in Brooklyn, New York (yes, those are real bullet holes), or celebrating Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts (is there anywhere better?), Stephen is welcomed by the people of America—mayors, sheriffs, newspaper editors, park rangers, teachers, and hoboes, bringing to life the oddities and splendors of each locale. A celebration of the magnificent and the eccentric, the beautiful and the strange, Stephen Fry in America is the author’s homage to this extraordinary country.

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

Entertaining and brilliantly written, this is a pretty reckless romp of a history through classical music and much much more.

Discover the story of a gentleman''s most distinguished accessory, the necktie, with the inimitable Stephen Fry as your guide. In this utterly charming volume, Stephen Fry excavates his epic collection of neckties and shares the stories behind them. From the traditional "egg and bacon" colors of the Marylebone Cricket Club to the exuberant Dalmatian pattern of a 1980s Nicole Miller design, each tie tells a story. Interspersed amongst the collection are diagrams to aid in tying your own Half Windsor, Van Wijk, or Prince Albert Knot. The book expands on Fry''s popular Instagram series, with additional, all-new content—including an essay about Fry''s own necktie journey and a collection of snappy photos and illustrations of the ties themselves. This handsome little hardcover is more than an homage to a fashion accessory: it''s an informative and witty tour of history, culture, art, and design. BELOVED AUTHOR: Stephen Fry is an icon in many domains, including humor, storytelling, and style. He is the ideal guide to the world of neckties, as knowledgeable as he is entertaining. PERFECT CONTENT FOR THE STEPHEN FRY FAN: For Fry''s fans (especially those who first encountered him as the cool, collected, and always impeccably dressed butler Jeeves), this book is a perfect fit. DISTINCTIVE GIFT: This book will delight dads, granddads, brothers, and uncles—or anyone who likes to wear fancy neckwear with pride. BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK: Fry''s excellent collection of ties is brought to life by photographer Clare Winfield and illustrator Stephanie von Reiswitz (whom readers may know and love from her popular Murder Most Puzzling series). Perfect for: Stephen Fry fans Men''s fashion enthusiasts Tie collectors Anglophiles Humor readers Fans of quirky popular history books

Stephen Fry’s beloved retelling of the Greek myths, now presented in a deluxe edition with stunning original illustrations. Rediscover the thrills, grandeur, and unabashed fun of these timeless tales, from the majestic heights of Mount Olympus to the eerie depths of the Underworld, and from Eros and Psyche’s against-all-odds romance to Prometheus’s gift of fire to mankind. Fry draws out the humor and pathos in each story and reveals its deep resonance with our own lives, without losing any of their original wonder. Featuring vibrant artwork throughout, this collectible volume is complete with a textured case and dyed page edge. Explore the captivating world of monsters and gods, of magic and mayhem, with a brilliant storyteller as your guide. BELOVED AUTHOR: Stephen Fry is an icon whose signature wit and mellifluous style makes this retelling utterly unique. Readers love hearing his interpretations, whether they are familiar with the original Greek myths or not. COLLECTABLE EDITION: Fry''s series of retellings - Mythos, Heroes, and Troy - are international bestsellers. Now fans can complete their collection and revisit the beloved first book with this gorgeous illustrated edition. PERFECT GIFT FOR MYTHOLOGY FANS: With a sleek contemporary design and full-color original artwork throughout, this deluxe volume makes a superb present for anyone interested in mythology, Greek history, or the classics. Perfect for Fans of Stephen Fry and the Mythos series who want a complete collection Gift-givers looking for a deluxe holiday present for the classics lover in their life Mythology and history buffs Fans of Neil Gaiman''s Norse Mythology, Madeline Miller''s Circe and Song of Achilles, and Edith Hamilton’s Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Collectors of illustrated classics

A number one bestseller in Britain, Stephen Fry''s astonishingly frank, funny, wise memoir is the book that his fans everywhere have been waiting for. Since his PBS television debut in the Blackadder series, the American profile of this multitalented writer, actor and comedian has grown steadily, especially in the wake of his title role in the film Wilde, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination, and his supporting role in A Civil Action. Fry has already given readers a taste of his tumultuous adolescence in his autobiographical first novel, The Liar, and now he reveals the equally tumultuous life that inspired it. Sent to boarding school at the age of seven, he survived beatings, misery, love affairs, carnal violation, expulsion, attempted suicide, criminal conviction and imprisonment to emerge, at the age of eighteen, ready to start over in a world in which he had always felt a stranger. One of very few Cambridge University graduates to have been imprisoned prior to his freshman year, Fry is a brilliantly idiosyncratic character who continues to attract controversy, empathy and real devotion.

The story of Troy speaks to all of us - the kidnapping of Helen, a queen celebrated for her beauty, sees the Greeks launch a thousand ships against the city of Troy, to which they will lay siege for ten whole years. It is a terrible war with casualties on all sides as well as strained relations between allies, whose consequences become tragedies. In Troy you will find heroism and hatred, love and loss, revenge and regret, desire and despair. It is these human passions, written bloodily in the sands of a distant shore, that still speak to us today.

Those of us who have already discovered Stephen Fry know him as the brilliant British comedian behind TV series such as Jeeves & Wooster and Blackadder, and the author of two enormously funny novels, The Liar and The Hippopotamus. But his new film (in which he plays Oscar Wilde) and his new novel (this one) represent a somewhat alarming departure from his previous work: They''re more serious. Though humor is still an essential ingredient of both, Fry''s fans are finally getting to witness the emotional depth that this brilliant polymath usually keeps hidden. In Making History, Fry has bitten off a rather meaty chunk by tackling an at first deceptively simple premise: What if Hitler had never been born? An unquestionable improvement, one would reason--and so an earnest history grad student and an aging German physicist idealistically undertake to bring this about by preventing Adolf''s conception. And with their success is launched a brave new world that is in some ways better than ours--but in most ways even worse. Fry''s experiment in history makes for his most ambitious novel yet, and his most affecting. His first book to be set mostly in America, it is a thriller with a funny streak, a futuristic fantasy based on one of mankind''s darkest realities. It is, in every sense, a story of our times.

Few mere mortals have ever embarked on such bold and heart-stirring adventures, overcome myriad monstrous perils, or outwitted scheming vengeful gods, quite as stylishly and triumphantly as Greek heroes. Join Jason aboard the Argo as he quests for the Golden Fleece. See Atalanta - who was raised by bears - outrun any man before being tricked with golden apples. Witness wily Oedipus solve the riddle of the Sphinx and discover how Bellerophon captures the winged horse Pegasus to help him slay the monster Chimera. Heroesis the story of what we mortals are truly capable of - at our worst and our very best.

For Ned, 1980 seems a blissful year. Handsome, charming, popular and talented, his life is progressing smoothly, effortlessly, happily. And when he meets the lovely Portia Fendeman his personal jigsaw appears complete. But timing is everything in life, and his life is about to change for ever. Things are going to get very bad indeed for innocent young Ned. A promise made to a dying teacher and a spiteful trick played by fellow pupils will rocket Ned from cricket captain to solitary confinement, from head boy to hell. When Ned emerges he is a man bent on just one thing - revenge; and revenge is a dish he plans to savour and serve to those who conspired against him. Part love story, part thriller, a gloriously rich mix that only Stephen Fry can dish up to us, The Stars'' Tennis Balls will leave you happy and replete.

Pre-order the final book in Stephen Fry''s acclaimed internationally bestselling Greek myths series telling the story of The Odyssey - can a hero find his way home? Sometimes the hardest journey is the way back home . . . Wily Odysseus, King of Ithaca, has won Troy for the Greeks - after a decade of brutal, bloody warfare. But now this warrior remembers he is a husband and father - and his gaze turns longingly towards home. Setting sail with a small fleet, Odysseus dreams of soon lying in the arms of his beloved wife Penelope, and of teaching his son Telemachus the ways of a warrior. However, the gods laugh at the foolish hopes of mortals. And, angered by this upstart, Poseidon - God of the ocean realms - curses our hero to wander the seas for ten long years. Encountering one-eyed giants, six-headed monsters, terrible storms, titanic whirlpools, hypnotic sirens, seductive witches and jealous goddesses, Odysseus is tempted and tormented beyond any man''s endurance. Yet he is no mere mortal - and the lure of his wife and son draws him, step by step, stroke by stroke, ever closer to home and his ultimate destiny . . . A tale of love and longing, return and redemption, home and hope, Stephen Fry''s Odyssey sees the author and national treasure weave the final threads of the fabulous story begun in the worldwide bestseller, Mythos, into an astonishing and mesmerising tapestry for the ages. Praise for Stephen Fry''s Greek Myths series: ''Fry is at his story-telling best . . . the gods will be pleased'' The Times ''Brilliant . . . all hail Stephen Fry'' Daily Mail ''A head-spinning marathon of legends'' Guardian ''A rollicking good read'' Independent ''An Olympian feat. The gods seem to be smiling on Fry - his myths are definitely a hit'' Evening Standard

A delightful compendium of writings that perfectly express the wit and wisdom of Stephen Fry. A hilarious collection of the many articles written by Stephen Fry for magazines, newspapers and radio. It includes selected wireless essays of Donald Trefusis, the ageing professor of philology brought to life in Fry''s novel The Liar, and the best of Fry''s weekly column for the Daily Telegraph. Perfect to dip into but just as enjoyable to read cover to cover, this book, perhaps more than any other, shows the breadth of Fry''s interests and the depth of his insight. He remains a hilarious writer on whatever topic he puts his mind to.

A womanizing, drunken, failed poet and recently fired drama critic, cantankerous Ted Wallace seeks refuge from his problems at the country estate of his old friend Logan, the site of mysterious incidents centering around Logan''s enigmatic son, David.

THE HILARIOUS DIARY BY MRS STEPHEN FRY - THE WIFE YOU NEVER KNEW HE HAD ''Hilarious'' - Daily Express ''Buy the wife''s book or I''ll never hear the end of it'' Stephen Fry Stephen Fry''s secret wife speaks out at last... Enjoyed a nice cuppa this morning with a HobNob and Jeremy Kyle. There was a woman on there who''d been married 16 years without realising her husband was gay. Extraordinary! Which reminds me, it''s our 16th anniversary in a few weeks. What a coincidence. Stephen Fry - actor, writer, raconteur and wit. Cerebral and sophisticated, a true Renaissance man. Or is he? Finally, his secret double life - the womanizing, the window-cleaning, the kebabs, the karaoke - is exclusively revealed by Edna, his devoted wife and mother of his five, six or possibly seven children. These diaries take us through a year in the life of an unwitting celebrity wife, and are rumoured to include: - scandalous nocturnal shenanigans - advice on childcare - 101 things to do with a tin of Spam. ''A good diary should be like a good husband - a constant companion, a source of inspiration and, ideally, bound in leather.'' - Edna Fry twitter.com/MrsStephenFry

This brilliant recasting of the classic story The Count of Monte Cristo centers on Ned Maddstone, a happy, charismatic, Oxford-bound seventeen-year-old whose rosy future is virtually pre-ordained. Handsome, confident, and talented, newly in love with bright, beautiful Portia, his father an influential MP, Ned leads a charmed life. But privilege makes him an easy target for envy, and in the course of one day Ned’s destiny is forever altered. A promise made to a dying teacher combined with a prank devised by a jealous classmate mutates bewilderingly into a case of mistaken arrest and incarceration. Ned finds himself a political prisoner in a nightmarish exile that lasts years, until a fellow inmate reawakens Ned’s intellect and resurrects his will to live. The chilling consequences of Ned’s recovery are felt worldwide.

Ted Wallace is an old, sour, womanising, cantankerous, whisky-sodden beast of a failed poet and drama critic, but he has his faults too. Fired from his newspaper, months behind on his alimony payments and disgusted with a world that undervalues him, Ted seeks a few months repose and free drink at Swafford Hall, the country mansion of his old friend Lord Logan. But strange things have been going on at Swafford. Miracles. Healings. Phenomena beyond the comprehension of a mud-caked hippopotamus like Ted. With this funny and deliciously readable novel, Stephen Fry takes his place as one of the most talented comic novelists of his generation.

On New Years Day, BBC 1 broadcast a programme about Stephen Fry going to Peru to track Paddington Bear''s roots and more seriously to rescue a Spectacled bear, one of the world''s endangered species. At Easter a follow up programme was shown on BBC 2, they went back, and helped rescue a mate for the young bear they had found on their first trip. This is Stephen''s diary of his time in spent Peru. It is packed with lovely colour pictures of Stephen, bears and Peru, and it is, of course, wildly funny. Stephen Fry is set to become the Diane Fossey of the bear world.

Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School for Wizards and Witches.

Stephen Fry believes that if you can speak and read English you can write poetry. But it is no fun if you don t know where to start or have been led to believe that Anything Goes. Stephen, who has long written poems, and indeed has written long poems, for his own private pleasure, invites you to discover the incomparable delights of metre, rhyme and verse forms. Whether you want to write a Petrarchan sonnet for your lover s birthday, an epithalamion for your sister s wedding or a villanelle excoriating the government s housing policy, The Ode Less Travelled will give you the tools and the confidence to do so. Brimful of enjoyable exercises, witty insights and simple step-by-step advice, The Ode Less Travelled guides the reader towards mastery and confidence in the Mother of the Arts.