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All in a Day's Cricket: An Anthology of Outstanding Cricket Writing
Brian Levison, Christopher Martin-Jenkins
Prose: non-fiction, Cricket
Over 250 years of the finest cricket writing, by W. G. Grace, C. L. R. James, Angus Fraser and many more
This selection of the very best, and most intriguing, writing on cricket, drawn from the mid-eighteenth century to the present day, adopts a fresh approach. It is arranged around the theme of the many things that must happen simply for a day's play to happen - from creating a clearing in a Malaysian jungle to getting to the ground - so includes, alongside writing by players both great and unknown, the perspectives of spectators, umpires, scorers and other unsung heroes of the game.
There are contributions from John Arlott, Neville Cardus, C. L. R. James and E. V. Lucas; Marcus Trescothick writes on his introduction to cricket aged three; Angus Fraser on meeting Nelson Mandela; Phil Tufnell on being shanghaied into getting a haircut by Mike Gatting; and Rachael Heyhoe Flint on being the first woman to step onto the Lord's ground as a player.
But it is the cricket itself and the outstanding players and their achievements that remain the focus - the greats of the recent and distant past involved in some of their most famous exploits.
From 'disgraceful scenes at Lord's', described by Irish writer Robert Lynd, to North America, which W. G. Grace toured in 1872, and from a match played on ice to the tropical islands of Fiji and Samoa, this is a collection that does full justice to the extraordinary breadth, diversity and enduring fascination of the greatest game in the world.
More books by Brian Levison
Praise for All in a Day's Cricket: An Anthology of Outstanding Cricket Writing
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Ranges far and wide through the literature of the game ... almost certainly the only book in history to combine the best bits of Gus Fraser and Charles Dickens. Something for everyone, then. - The Spin (the Guardian s free weekly cricket email)
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An absolutely marvellous book, a bedside and fireside joy. And it looks and feels good, too. Surely a Christmas necessity! - Vernon Coleman, author of 'The Village Cricket Tour'
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Cricket, as Sam Johnson might have averred, has all that life affords. Almost every aspect is touched upon in this delightful collection. It is the product of wide reading, deep interest and a versatile mind. - Christopher Martin-Jenkins
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There is a treat around every corner ... this will stay on the bedside table for some time ... It is a splendid reminder that we have the best game in the world, and the best writers too. - Richard H. Thomas, 'All Out Cricket' magazine
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Outstanding ... sure to be regarded as a classic of its kind. - Tony Hutton, joint author with Peter Davies, of Two Men and a Blog: Cricket Diary 2009
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An amazing compilation of every facet of cricket imaginable - bright and breezy reading. Both a high quality 20/20 - a huge variety of entertainment coming from the most unlikely sources! - and a timeless Test because it is the sort of book you can dip in and out of and still not lose the thread! A triumph of devotion to the game! - Rachael Heyhoe Flint
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A pleasing mix of voices that capture the spirit of the game. - The Cricketer
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A hugely enjoyable anthology where blogs mix with erudite historical pieces and personal recollections mingle with more magisterial pronouncements on the game at large . . . The book is full of well-chosen, fine writing and represents a very good reintroduction to the joys of anthology. An excellent index completes the package. A very decent collection and most enjoyable. - The Cricket Society News Bulletin, February/March 2013
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