C. H. B. Kitchin

Who was C. H. B. Kitchin?

Clifford Henry Benn Kitchin was a British novelist of the early twentieth century. He was best known for his four mystery novels featuring the sleuth Malcolm Warren, but his other novels were also highly regarded, especially by other writers. His best known novels are The Auction Sale, Streamers Waving, and Mr. Balcony. He was one of Francis King's two mentors, the other being J. R. Ackerley. His other works include Book of life and Jumping Joan.

Kitchin attended Exeter College Oxford and became a barrister. He was a gifted chess player, bridge player, and pianist. Kitchin led a varied and colourful life. He was born into wealth and increased his wealth through investment in the stock market. He used his wealth to take part in many different fields, including the breeding and racing of greyhounds, in which he was briefly an important figure. He was actively homosexual and was living with his lover Clive Preen until Preen's death in 1944.