Product Description

Inspired by the idea of Brighton as a state of mind as much as a place, Nigel Richardson returned after a gap of twenty years. The result is a narrative of rare imagination, woven from strands of memoir, travelogue, reportage and fiction. Breakfast in Brighton is about the actors and fantasists, drunkards and writers, chancers and maniacs who haunt the streets that slope to the sea on the very edge of England. 'Hugely entertaining...For anyone still unfamiliar with the place, this book is a wonderful introduction' Midweek

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #287063 in Books
• Published on: 1998-05-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 221 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Brighton, the "antithesis of England" as Nigel Richardson describes it towards the beginning of his lyric to a unique town, Breakfast in Brighton: Adventures on the Edge of Britain. On the edge of England, certainly--Richardson makes much of his sea- front garret in a Regency square, café and pub life by the sea--but also Brighton as a place to live "on the edge": Richardson's Brighton is as much a state of mind as a geographical space, a refuge from the banality of everyday life. It's a fascinating tale, drawing on various real and mythic moments in Brighton's past (the Brighton Trunk Murders, the filming of Brighton Rock, the "Sea Monster" dredged up by fishermen in the mid-19th century) as well as the story of the painting which haunts this book: "Breakfast in Brighton", painted around 1950 by Edward le Bas. Inviting his readers to join him in his (visitor's) homage to the diversity, and exuberance, of the cultures around him-- "Brighton has a rare genius for moving with the times yet remaining the same", he muses on his journey through the North Laines--Richardson casts himself as a modern day flaneur, a man on the track of the history embedded in the fabric, and spectacle, of urban life. --Vicky Lebeau

Synopsis
Brighton is a town where seagulls wheel, light glitters and sex hangs heavy on the air. Inspired by the idea of the town of Brighton, the author of this book returns to it after 20 years. He writes about actors and fantasists, drunkards, writers, chancers and maniacs who haunt its sloping streets.

About the Author
Born 1957, ed Christ's Hospital, Reading University. Works as a journalist, currently deputy travel editor of the Daily Telegraph

Customer Reviews

Part diary, part mystery all Brighton
This book starts in the style of a personal narrative - "This is how I wrote this book on Brighton", and then manages to weave in explorations of the author's particular interests.

I was sufficiently taken by the analysis of Brighton Rock to re-read it after this. The Brighton presented (which predates my own experience by a long way!) is understood to be no more real than any other recreation of the past - e.g. the London of Dickens and Sherlock Holmes.

The book wanders around in the way that life itself does, mixing anecdote and experience. It then surprises at the end by becoming a histrical detective story (no spoliers, just a mention of a painting and a boat trip) then stops without resolution.

A haunting read, well recommended

Breakfast in Brighton - A review by a fellow Brightonian
This booked had remained on my book shelf after being bought, for a good few months. Until finally I picked it up, as a lunch time read. It has now turned into a 'any spare minute read'! It is un put down able. The story line grips you, and the mix of fiction with non; entices you to researching about what really has gone on in Brightons history.

An excellent book that I would highly recommend to others.

Breakfast in Brighton
I picked up Nigel Richardson's 'Breakfast in Brighton' as I was leaving Brighton after my first visit. If I hadn't fell in love with the place anyway than this book reaffirmed it. As the train made slow progress back to London I felt like getting off and going back.
We see Brighton from every angle, historical and cultural and are left with an idea of the place as a way of life, a place of adventure and something that you can't get anywhere in England.
A very involving book -- like the other reviewer I was left hanging on for a resolution to the 'adventure' but maybe it wasn't necessary; maybe the story stops when you leave Brighton.
There are plenty of stories there to tell, and Richardson does a great job of telling them.

See you all in Brighton soon!