> Skip to content
Play sample
  • Published: 1 December 2010
  • ISBN: 9781409007555
  • Imprint: Cornerstone Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 416

The Hippopotamus




A hilarious and brilliant novel from the comedian, actor and polymathic TV presenter.

The outrageously funny second novel, and now major motion picture, from British actor, comedian, author, presenter, journalist and national treasure, Stephen Fry.

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.

Praise for The Hippopotamus:

'My goodness what fruity language Fry uses! You can feel his enjoyment, and also the huge force of his desire to please you, as you read this' Daily Mail
'Deliciously wicked!' New York Times

'Fresh, filthy, funny and fizzing with ideas' Evening Standard

  • Published: 1 December 2010
  • ISBN: 9781409007555
  • Imprint: Cornerstone Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 416

About the author

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry was born in Hampstead in 1957 and, following a troubled adolescence, went on to study English Literature at Queen's College, Cambridge. As well as being the bestselling author of four novels, The Stars' Tennis Balls, Making History, The Hippopotamus, and The Liar, and two volumes of his autobiography, Fry played Peter in Peter's Friends, Wilde in the film Wilde, Jeeves in the television series Jeeves & Wooster and (a closely guarded show-business secret, this) Laurie in the television series Fry & Laurie. More recently, he presented Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive, his groundbreaking documentary on bipolar disorder, to huge critical acclaim. Before it was announced that Fry would retire as moderator, his legions of fans tuned in to watch him host the popular quiz show QI each week.

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.

More recently he 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.

Also by Stephen Fry

See all

Praise for The Hippopotamus

My goodness what fruity language Fry uses! You can feel his enjoyment, and also the huge force of his desire to please you, as you read this

Mail on Sunday

Fresh, filthy, funny and fizzing with ideas

Evening Standard

One of the funniest people writing on either side of the Atlantic ... like a combination of Evelyn Waugh and Kingsley Amis but funnier than either

Publishers Weekly

Deliciously wicked

New York Times