Robert Kemp Philp facts for kids

Robert Kemp Philp (1819–1882) was an English writer and journalist. He was also an important part of the Chartist movement, which worked for political rights for ordinary people in the 1800s.

Early Life and Family

Robert Kemp Philp was born in Falmouth, Cornwall on June 14, 1819. His father was Henry Philp. Robert's grandfather, also named Robert Kemp Philp, was a minister who helped start ragged schools. These schools provided free education for poor children.

Becoming a Chartist Leader

After finishing school in 1835, Philp started working for a printer in Bristol. Later, he sold newspapers in Bath, Somerset. One time, he was fined for selling a Sunday newspaper. When he refused to pay, he was put in the stocks for two hours as punishment.

This experience likely made him even more interested in fairness. He joined the Chartist movement, which wanted to give all men the right to vote. He helped edit two Chartist newspapers: The Regenerator and The National Vindicator.

Working for Change

From 1839, Philp began giving talks as a Chartist. He believed in peaceful change. After an event called the Newport Rising in 1840, he helped gather information to defend a Chartist leader named John Frost. Philp was arrested but later released.

In 1841, he joined the main committee of the Chartists. He helped create a huge petition, signed by 3.3 million people, asking for the Chartist demands to become law. This petition was presented in London in 1842.

Later Life and Publishing

In 1845, Robert Philp moved to London and became a publisher. He also worked as an editor for a magazine called the People's Journal.

He started his own popular magazine called the Family Friend. It sold a huge number of copies. He also edited other successful magazines like the Family Tutor and the Home Companion.

Robert Kemp Philp passed away in Islington on November 30, 1882, when he was 64 years old. He was buried in Highgate Cemetery.

Popular Books and Guides

Philp became famous for writing many affordable handbooks. These books gave practical advice on everyday topics. They were often sold in small, cheap parts each month.

Enquire Within upon Everything

His most famous book was Enquire Within upon Everything, first published in 1856. This book was incredibly popular, selling over a million copies by 1888! It stayed in print until 1973. It was like an encyclopedia for daily life, answering all sorts of questions.

The Reason Why Series

Philp also created a series of books called The Reason Why. These books explained the reasons behind things we often take for granted. There were Reason Why books about:

• Science
• Home life
• Nature
• History
• The Bible
• Gardening and farming

Other Useful Works

He wrote many other helpful books, including:

• Dictionaries of Daily Wants (1861)
• Dictionaries of Useful Knowledge (1858–1862)
• The Lady's Every-day Book (1873)

Philp also wrote a History of Progress in Great Britain and travel guides for places like the Lake district and Wales. He even wrote a comedy play and had some of his songs set to music.