author
J. S. (John Smythe) Memes
A Scottish minister and man of letters, he wrote lively biographies and broad cultural histories that introduced readers to figures like Napoleon, Josephine, and Canova. His books blend storytelling with a strong curiosity about art, history, and public life.
1 Audiobook
History of Sculpture, Painting, and Architecture
by J. S. (John Smythe) Memes
About the author
Born in 1795 and dying in 1858, John Smythe Memes was a Scottish writer and Church of Scotland minister. Sources also identify him as a minister in Hamilton, and contemporary and library records connect him with a substantial body of historical and biographical writing.
Memes wrote on a wide range of subjects. His works include Memoirs of Napoleon, Memoirs of the Empress Josephine, Memoirs of Antonio Canova, and History of Sculpture, Painting, and Architecture. That mix helps explain his appeal: he moved easily between political biography, cultural history, and art criticism.
He seems to have been the kind of 19th-century author who wanted to make big subjects readable for general audiences. Even when writing about famous rulers or major artists, he aimed to give readers a clear narrative as well as useful background, which makes his work a good fit for listeners who enjoy classic nonfiction with a literary touch.