
The novel revolves around the life of Kenelm Chillingly, a young aristocrat who struggles with his own identity and sense of purpose. He becomes disillusioned with the superficiality of high society and seeks a deeper connection with nature and humanity. Through his journey, he faces various challenges, including romantic entanglements, family conflicts, and personal crises, which ultimately lead to his spiritual awakening and self-discovery.
By Edward Bulwer-lytton · First published 1851 · Genre: Romance, Adventure, Psychological Fiction · 21 chapters · 44,394 words
KENELM CHILLINGLY had quitted the paternal home at daybreak before any of the household was astir. "Unquestionably," said he, as he walked along the solitary lanes, -- "unquestionably I begin the world as poets begin poetry, an imitator and a plagiarist. I am imitating an itinerant verse-maker, as, no doubt, he began by imitating some other maker of verse. But if there be anything in me, it will work itself out in original form. And, after all, the verse-maker is not the inventor of ideas. Adventure on foot is a notion that remounts to the age of fable. Hercules, for instance; that was the way in which he got to heaven, as a foot-traveller. How solitary the world is at this hour! Is it not for that reason that this is of all hours the most beautiful?"
Kenelm Chillingly Book II is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edward Bulwer-lytton, dated 1851 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
Gothic fiction · Mystery · Thriller · Suspense · Romance · Historical fiction · Victorian era · English literature · 19th century · Dark fantasy · Horror elements · Supernatural themes