Jonathan Meades

Jonathan Meades is a British writer, journalist, essayist, and filmmaker known for his acerbic cultural commentary and architectural criticism. His work spans television documentaries, books, journalism and restaurant criticism, with a particular focus on place, architecture, and food culture. Meades served as the restaurant critic for The Times newspaper from 1986 to 2001, gaining recognition for his distinctive prose style and uncompromising assessments. He later became well-known for his BBC television series and documentaries which explored architecture, cities and cultural history, including "Abroad in Britain," "Further Abroad," and "Meades on France." His written works include novels such as "Pompey" and "The Fowler Family Business," as well as collections of essays like "Museum Without Walls" and "An Encyclopedia of Myself." These works are characterized by their erudite analysis, cultural criticism, and Meades' trademark combination of intellectual rigor and sardonic wit. Meades' influence extends beyond his written and broadcast work through his architectural criticism and cultural commentary, where he has consistently challenged conventional wisdom about British architecture, food, and cultural identity. His autobiography "An Encyclopedia of Myself" was published in 2014, and he continues to produce essays and documentaries examining various aspects of culture, architecture, and place.

Readers highlight Meades' dense, challenging writing style and encyclopedic knowledge. Many note his caustic wit and unconventional perspectives on architecture, food, and British culture. Likes: - Sharp, precise prose with complex vocabulary - Depth of historical and cultural references - Original observations that challenge common assumptions - Dark humor and satirical elements - Detailed architectural analysis Dislikes: - Difficult, sometimes impenetrable writing - Frequent digressions and tangents - Perceived arrogance in tone - Assumes extensive background knowledge - Some find his criticism overly negative On Goodreads, "Museum Without Walls" averages 4.2/5 from 89 reviews. "An Encyclopedia of Myself" rates 3.9/5 from 112 reviews. Amazon reviews across his works average 4.1/5. One reader called him "the thinking person's Will Self." Another noted: "His prose is like a layer cake of references - rewarding but exhausting." A critical review stated: "His verbosity sometimes feels like showing off rather than illuminating."

Museum Without Walls (2012) A collection of essays about architecture, place, and the built environment, examining various locations across Europe and their cultural significance.

An Encyclopedia of Myself (2014) A memoir of the author's childhood in post-war Salisbury during the 1950s, detailing the social and cultural landscape of southern England.

The Plagiarist in the Kitchen (2017) A recipe book that acknowledges and celebrates the derivative nature of cooking, featuring collected and adapted recipes from various sources.

Pedro and Ricky Come Again (2021) A compilation of selected journalism spanning four decades, covering topics from architecture and culture to food and politics.

Pidgin Snaps (2013) A collection of photographs taken by Meades throughout his career, documenting architecture and landscapes across different countries.

Pompey (1993) A novel set in Portsmouth spanning several decades, following multiple characters through interconnected stories of crime and social observation.

Filthy English (1984) A satirical novel examining English attitudes and prejudices through the lens of a restaurant critic's experiences.

Peter Knows What Dick Likes (1989) A collection of short stories exploring various aspects of English culture and society through fictional narratives.

Will Self writes dense, erudite essays about architecture, cities and cultural criticism with a misanthropic edge. His fiction and non-fiction both feature intricate vocabulary and unconventional perspectives on modern British life.

Iain Sinclair explores London's hidden histories and psychogeography through detailed observational writing. His work combines architectural criticism, local history, and cultural commentary while documenting urban change.

W.G. Sebald merged essays, travelogue, and criticism with a focus on memory, place, and European history. His prose style combines detailed observation with digressive exploration of connections between locations, buildings, and historical events.

Robert Hughes wrote about art, architecture and cities with historical depth and cultural insight. His criticism addressed both high and popular culture while examining the social contexts of art and urban development.

Peter Ackroyd writes extensively about London's history, architecture, and cultural evolution through both fiction and non-fiction. His work connects physical spaces with their historical and literary associations through detailed research and documentation.