Clive James

"A life without fame can be a good life, but fame without a life is no life at all."

Clive James is the author of more than thirty books. As well as essays, he has published collections of literary and television criticism, travel writing, verse and novels, plus five volumes of autobiography. As a television performer he appeared regularly for both the BBC and ITV. In 1992 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia and in 2003 he was awarded the Philip Hodgins memorial medal for literature. Cultural Amnesia was a New York Times Notable Book. Clive passed away in November 2019.

What genres did Clive James write in?

He wrote essays, literary and television criticism, travel writing, poetry and verse, novels, and five volumes of autobiography. He also worked as a television performer.

Where is a good place to start reading his work?

For memoir and personal voice start with the Unreliable Memoirs series (the volumes include Falling Towards England; May Week Was in June; North Face of Soho; The Blaze of Obscurity). For essays and criticism try Cultural Cohesion or Cultural Amnesia. For poetry see Collected Poems 1958-2015 and for a poetic engagement with Proust try Gate of Lilacs.

Are any of his books part of a series or recommended reading order?

Yes. His five-volume Unreliable Memoirs form an autobiographical series best read in publication order. Most essay and poetry collections are thematically organized and can be read independently.

What themes and styles characterize his writing?

His work blends cultural and literary criticism, television commentary, travel writing and personal memoir, often delivered with erudition, wit and a strong attention to literary form.

What awards or recognition did he receive for his writing?

He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1992 and received the Philip Hodgins memorial medal for literature in 2003. His Cultural Amnesia was named a New York Times Notable Book.