Reviewing Maconie's talents always strikes me as a dichotomy.
On the radio he has a varied and challenging taste in music and his work with Mark Radcliffe is terrific, but his dry and rather lifeless personality does not necessarily transmit across the airwaves.
Putting words on the page however is a totally different proposition. Witty erudite, articulate and damn near lovable, Maconie is sharp and incisive combining his beautifully honed observations with a great affection for his subject.
With High Teas, Stuart has chrystalised all his previous work into a totally un-put-=downable book that should be read and appreciated by anyone interested in people, places and how to create a truly marvellous read.