'Wonderfully wide-focused, unfailingly readable and laced with passages of insightful analysis, Tim Wigmore's history of test cricket is a true tour de force.' David Kynaston'Much more than simply a history of Test cricket, this is a colourful, modern take on the sport's most treasured format. I've commentated on over 400 Tests and learned so much from this wonderful book. Wigmore lays bare the challenges Test cricket faces and the fight required to preserve it.' Jonathan Agnew, BBC Test Match Special'Hugely informative and enjoyable - a fantastic achievement. A must-read for all cricket lovers.' - Peter FrankopanThe first narrative history of Test cricket.Test cricket is on the cusp of its 150th anniversary. For the first time, Test Cricket: A History tells the full, gripping story of the players and stories that have shaped the game's evolution since 1877.Award-winning author Tim Wigmore brings to life both Test cricket on the pitch and the game's social significance around the world. This captivating tour is illuminated by dozens of exclusive interviews with the game's greatest players, including Sachin Tendulkar, Pat Cummins, Michael Holding, Muthiah Muralidaran, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Chappell, Dale Steyn and Rahul Dravid.From Bodyline to Bazball, the golden age to the rise of West Indies, and Shane Warne to Ian Botham, readers will come to appreciate Test cricket's remarkable history like never before. Read more

The former Prime Minister examines the history of one of the great loves of his life.Throughout John Major’s life, one of the constant factors has been his deep love of cricket. In this sumptuously illustrated book he delves deep into the game’s history, tracing its development from its rustic beginnings to the international sport we know today. Along the way he examines – and at times demolishes – many cherished myths. Among the subjects to which he pays particular attention are the changing social role of cricket, developments in the rules, the emergence of the professional player, the game’s spread throughout the British Empire and the part it has played in cementing international relations.John Major’s history of cricket reflects not only his lifelong passion for the game, but the depth of his research among a wealth of hitherto neglected but fascinating sources. It is a significant addition to the already rich literature of the greatest game of all. Read more

THE MUST-HAVE AUTOBIOGRAPHY FROM CRICKET LEGEND, JIMMY ANDERSONSHORTLISTED FOR THE 2025 CHARLES TYRWHITT SPORTS BOOK AWARDS21 years, 188 Test Matches, 704 Test Wickets.This is Jimmy's story: an intimate, honest reflection told with his trademark humility and dry humour. From growing up in. Burnley as an outsider, isolated at school, bunking off, dreaming of being somewhere - anywhere - else, to dominating the 22 yards of the wicket as part of the deadliest England attack ever assembled.Jimmy takes us inside the dressing room, to those unforgettable moments: his debut under Nasser Hussain, facing off the Aussies with Monty Panesar, Kevin Pietersen's 'textgate' and that Mitchell Johnson incident. He reflects on the intense rivalries with Michael Clarke and Sachin Tendulkar and the burgeoning friendships with Alastair Cook and Stuart Broad. Delving behind the cricket, Jimmy reveals his experiences of personal loss alongside the pain of professional injury, and the strength he found from his marriage and the arrival of his two children.Finding the Edge is a front-row seat at the greatest games of the last two decades as England journey from perennial losers to world number one. But, above all, it is a coming-of-age story that reveals the real Jimmy Anderson: vulnerable, introspective, relentlessly determined, constantly evolving - a bowler unequalled, a career like no other. Read more

THE MUST-HAVE AUTOBIOGRAPHY FROM CRICKET LEGEND, JIMMY ANDERSONThe Instant Sunday Times Bestseller'Revealing and often moving' - Guardian'Brilliant, emotive' - Daily Mail21 years, 188 Test Matches, 704 Test Wickets.This is Jimmy's story: an intimate, honest reflection told with his trademark humility and dry humour. From growing up in. Burnley as an outsider, isolated at school, bunking off, dreaming of being somewhere - anywhere - else, to dominating the 22 yards of the wicket as part of the deadliest England attack ever assembled.Jimmy takes us inside the dressing room, to those unforgettable moments: his debut under Nasser Hussain, facing off the Aussies with Monty Panesar, Kevin Pietersen's 'textgate' and that Mitchell Johnson incident. He reflects on the intense rivalries with Michael Clarke and Sachin Tendulkar and the burgeoning friendships with Alastair Cook and Stuart Broad. Delving behind the cricket, Jimmy reveals his experiences of personal loss alongside the pain of professional injury, and the strength he found from his marriage and the arrival of his two children.Finding the Edge is a front-row seat at the greatest games of the last two decades as England journey from perennial losers to world number one. But, above all, it is a coming-of-age story that reveals the real Jimmy Anderson: vulnerable, introspective, relentlessly determined, constantly evolving - a bowler unequalled, a career like no other. Read more

WISDEN BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR 2024Brian Close was one of the most remarkable characters of post-war English cricket. Known for his great bravery against fast bowling and for his fearless close fielding, he led both Yorkshire and England with great success, yet in controversial circumstances he was sacked both times from the captaincy.In 'One Hell of a Life', Stephen Chalke draws on conversations over the past 25 years, both with Brian Close himself and with team-mates, opponents and family, many of them, like Close, no longer living.The result is a fascinating portrait of an unusual man, one who might have reached greater heights if he had adopted more of a safety-first approach to life - but then he would not have been Brian Close: daring, defiant and at times daft. An outstanding leader, he lived his life as he drove his cars: fast and reckless, with many a prang along the way.The story of Brian Close is a tale like no other in cricket, rich with humour but at times hauntingly sad. His loss of the England captaincy is set in the context of the social attitudes of the time, with cricket still run by an amateur class distrustful of a single-minded Yorkshireman who played always to win. Read more

Deadly is the first-ever biography of Kent and England cricketing legend Derek Underwood. It includes exclusive interviews with friends and team-mates.From renowned cricket author Mark Peel, winner of the Cricket Society Award and twice shortlisted at the British Sports Book Awards.This compelling book:Profiles Underwood as a child prodigy who became the youngest ever bowler to take 100 wickets in a seasonCharts his rise to national prominence two years later when he bowled England to victory against Australia at the Oval in the closing minutes, as well as other great feats while playing for his countryReveals the reasons behind his signing for Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket and the England rebel side to South Africa in 1982 and the controversy that ensuedExamines his unique style of bowling and why he was so destructive on certain types of pitchCelebrates Underwood’s huge contribution to the great Kent side of the 1970sCovers Underwood’s committee and charity work in retirement, culminating in his presidency of MCCDeadly brings you the inside track on Underwood’s life and career, uncovering the secret of his phenomenal success and the endearing qualities that made him such a much-loved figure. Read more

A journey of politics, passion, and Welsh pride.Jonathan Edwards' memoir, Into the Abyss, is an engaging tapestry of life in Wales, woven with humour, hardship, and heartfelt reflections. From his roots in the Amman Valley to the political maelstrom of Westminster, Edwards presents a life rich in experiences that shaped him as a politician and as a proud Welshman.A Boyhood in WalesEdwards' early years in Capel Hendre are painted with affection and humour. He recalls childhood adventures in the Bancyddraenen estate, where the local playground was a stage for youthful mischief and budding friendships. One particularly amusing anecdote involves his fascination with the annual grass-cutting ritual on a nearby farm: "Mam would place a chair out in the back, and I would be as happy as a clam, watching the tractors at work." His delight in simple routines became a metaphor for his love of systematic problem-solving-a trait that would later define his political approach.Sport looms large in his childhood memories, particularly his passion for cricket. His account of being bowled out by an Afghan MP in the inaugural Parliamentary Cricket World Cup is hilarious: "I survived two balls before my off-stump flew past over the heads of the slips. My teammates decided I was better off carrying drinks."Politics and the Personal TouchEdwards' political career is punctuated with triumphs, betrayals, and a relentless commitment to the Welsh cause. He recounts with pride his partnership with Adam Price in unseating Labour's long-held dominance in the Amman Valley. However, the camaraderie ended in acrimony, as he reflects: "At the core of this book is the relationship between Adam and me... It ends in betrayal and a complete breakdown in the relationship." The candid tone is balanced with Edwards' characteristic wit, as he describes the Westminster culture: "They called me a bulldozer-I preferred to think of myself as a very persistent road roller."Moments of LevityHumour is a constant in Edwards' narrative, softening the weight of political struggles. During a childhood holiday in Saundersfoot, he recounts pulling down a fold-up double bed on his head, rendering him unconscious and starting what he calls his "impressive résumé of head injuries." Later, he recalls his uncle Dai's cheeky antics during a visit to Westminster: "When I turned around, there was Dai sitting in the Speaker's chair-a shooting offence, and yet there he was, grinning like a Cheshire cat!"His reflections on the Welsh Sunday School trips to Tenby brim with nostalgia and laughter: "The annual beach cricket game was the highlight-think Lords Test, but with fish and chips and sand in your shoes."Edwards doesn't shy away from vulnerability, candidly discussing his battles with depression. His story of a friend reaching out during one of his darkest times, bringing mindfulness techniques to their conversation on the Commons terrace, is a touching reminder of the importance of community.Into the Abyss is more than a political memoir-it's a love letter to Wales, a rallying cry for resilience, and a testament to the transformative power of community and culture. Edwards masterfully balances humour, nostalgia, and gravitas, ensuring readers are both informed and entertained. Whether you're a cricket fan, a political junkie, or simply someone who cherishes Wales, this book has something for you. Read more

The former Prime Minister examines the early history of one of the great loves of his life in a book that sheds new light on the summer game’s social origins.All his life John Major has loved cricket. In ‘More Than a Game’ he examines it from its origins up to the coming of the First World War. Along the way he considers the crucial role of the wealthy patrons who gambled huge sums on early matches; the truth behind the legends that have grown up around the famous Hambledon Club; changes in rules and techniques, including the transition from underarm to overarm bowling; the long-standing, but often blurred, distinction between 'gentlemen' and 'players'; the coming of the MCC and its role as the supreme arbiter of the game; the spread of cricket throughout the British Empire; and the emergence of the county game and international competition.It is a story rich in anecdote and colourful characters. Many of the great names from the 'Golden Age' of cricket – C.B. Fry, Ranjitsinhji, 'Demon' Spofforth and of course the towering figure of W.G. Grace – are still well-known today. But long before then the game already had its stars: men like the Kentish innkeeper's son 'Lumpy' Stevens, who played at the highest level until he was nearly sixty; 'Silver Billy' Beldham, who was taught how to play by a gingerbread baker; the notoriously avaricious and ill-tempered Lord Frederic Beauclerk, a direct descendant of Charles II and Nell Gwynne; and the mighty 'Lion of Kent' Alfred Mynn. Read more

*THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER**Shortlisted for Autobiography of the Year at the Sports Book Awards 2024**Nominated for Sports Personality of the Year 2023*Readers are loving Stuart Broad 'An absolute must for cricket fans' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'One of the greatest of his generation' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Magnificent' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Brilliant' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'For all Test cricket lovers' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐________For over seventeen years, Stuart Broad left it all on the field. A multiple Ashes winner and World Champion, Broad was integral to some of the greatest England teams of all time. His awards and achievements, however, don't tell the whole story. He has always been a cricketer of more than mere numbers. Broad's passionate and spontaneous behaviour has mad him a fan favourite. No other player feeds off the crowd quite like he does. In his autobiography, Broad shares the moments from the game which have made him and those that almost broke him. What's clear, however, is his unwavering belief in his own ability to become one of the best ever. Candid, entertaining, and refreshingly honest, this book reveals the personal side of a true cricketing great. 'A candid and honest account of one of England's best-ever cricketers' Mirror'An England legend' Guardian'One of crickets greatest showmen' Independent__________Praise for Stuart Broad The longevity of his career, and what he has achieved, should never be forgotten. Ben StokesHe loves the big moments, the pressure situations. That's a true sign of a champion, I think. He's been incredible for England for a long, long time. Glen McGrathStuart Broad is the ultimate Ashes warrior. Ricky PontingOne of England's greatest players of all time. Joe RootTop 10 Sunday Times bestseller, UK, November 2023. Read more

Conceived in 2017 from a conversation with Roger Daltrey, Words of Love by Genesis Publications is the definitive celebration of musician, songwriter and rock and roll trailblazer Buddy Holly. Created in partnership with Maria Elena Holly and the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation, this seminal volume offers an intimate look at Buddy's life, music, and lasting legacy, revealing the man behind the timeless music.Words of Love features over 400 rare and archival items, including photographs, personal letters, handwritten notes, clothing, iconic glasses, guitars, tour posters, recording agreements, and press cuttings, and much more—many of which are previously unpublished. Through these artifacts and an extensive collection of rare and never-before-seen photographs, Words of Love charts the unusual rise of a musical pioneer who defied conventions and shaped the future of rock and roll.With forewords by Maria Elena Holly and Paul McCartney, afterword by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend and cover art fro Ronnie Wood, Buddy’s legacy is recounted through the voices of those who knew him best. Bandmates Jerry 'JI' Allison and Sonny Curtis, as well as friends like Paul Anka, Dion, Duane Eddy, and Don Everly, share their memories alongside insights from over 80 influential musicians, including David Gilmour, Emmylou Harris, Van Morrison, Dolly Parton, Robert Plant, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, and Brian Wilson.From his Texan roots, to his work with the Crickets, to his final months of innovation preceding his tragic death, Words of Love unravels the complexities of Buddy Holly’s life and celebrates his enduring influence on music history.‘Buddy was playing the lead guitar, which we loved, but he was also singing it, which we loved, and he’d written it, which we loved. So on a number of levels he was very inspirational. He became a hero for us and gave us the idea to go and do it ourselves.’ – PAUL McCARTNEY‘You could learn from Buddy Holly how to write songs, the way he put them together. He was a beautiful writer. The greatest. And I mean that – the greatest.’ – MICK JAGGER‘I’ve worked with so many people in music and I just know we’d have collaborated if things had been different. You can hear Buddy’s musical ideas across the whole spectrum of music. Everybody is inspired by something he did!’ – NILE RODGERS‘I play Buddy Holly every night before I go on. It keeps me honest.’ – BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN Read more

*****THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER AND BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK"Felix White's beautifully, elegantly and passionately written book reminds me why I love cricket so much. And reading, come to that." - Stephen Fry"The love of cricket is both communal and individual. Felix has a wonderful knack of evoking both in a book full of life, joy and resilience." - Gideon Haigh"Life beyond sport, love after loss, a soulful portrait of how play stops the rain." - Cariad Lloyd"This is an extraordinary first book ... funny, tragic, candid and heartfelt; it would be remarkable if he ever wrote a better one." - Wisden Almanack 2022Felix White, for reasons often beyond him, has always been deeply in love with cricket. His passion for the game is at the fore on the BBC 's number one cricket podcast and 5Live show, Tailenders, which he co-presents with Greg James and Jimmy Anderson. It's Always Summer Somewhere is his funny, heartbreaking and endlessly engaging love letter to the game.Felix takes us through his life growing up in South West London and describes how his story is forever punctuated and given meaning by cricket. Through his own exploits as a slow left arm spinner of 'lovely loopy stuff', to the tragic illness of his mother, life with The Maccabees and his cricket redemption, Felix touches on both the comedic and the tragic in equal measure. Throughout, there's the ever-present roller coaster of following the England cricket team. The exploits of Tufnell (another bowler of 'lovely loopy stuff'), Atherton, Hussain et al, are given extra import through the eyes of a cricket-obsessed youth. Felix meets them at each signposted moment to find out what was really behind those moments that gave cricket fans everywhere sporting memories that would last forever, sending the book into an exploration of grief, transgenerational displacement and how the people we've known and things we've loved culminate and take expression in our lives.It's Always Summer Somewhere is an incredibly honest detail of a life lived with cricket. It offers a sense of genuine empathy and understanding not just with cricket fans, but sports and music fans across the world, in articulating our reasons for pouring so much meaning into something that we simply cannot control. Culminating in the heart-stopping World Cup Final in 2019, the book finally answers that question fans have so often asked... what is it about this game? Read more

*WINNER OF THE 2023 SPORTS BOOK AWARDS SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT BOOK OF THE YEAR**FOREWORD BY BEN STOKES*Hallo - I'm Mark Wood. As an England and Durham cricketer who was born, raised and refined in Ashington, Northumberland, my life has been quite unique. Over the course of my career so far, I've won an Ashes and a World Cup in an international career that at the time of writing is going on seven years and counting. Being a fast bowler like myself is up there with the toughest of all sporting pursuits, like being Tyson Fury's punchbag or working behind the bar during the darts at Ally Pally.Being a cricketer? There's nothing like it. And doing it for England? Well, I'm lucky to call it a profession. There's been a lot of hard work along the way. Plenty of sacrifices and pain to accompany the good times that make them all worthwhile.I've been everywhere, from Barbados to Brisbane, Chester-le-Street to Chennai, waiting rooms to operating tables. I've played in some of the most exotic locations in the world and eaten margherita pizzas in every single one of them. To be honest, it's amazing I've waited this long to bring out my own self-help book. Read more

For over half a century, Henry Blofeld has conveyed his unfailing enthusiasm for the game of cricket as a much loved broadcaster and journalist. His characteristically patrician tones, overlaid with those of the bon viveur, have delighted listeners to the BBC's Test Match Special where the personality of the broadcaster comes second only to a deep knowledge of the game and its players. With his engaging conversational tone it is easy to see why listeners feel as if they are actually at the Test match watching in Henry's friendly company. Now that 'Blowers' has decided to declare his TMS innings closed, his book reveals the secrets of life in the commentary box and of the rich cast of characters with whom he shared it, from the early days of John Arlott and Brian Johnson to Aggers and new boys Boycott, Swann, Vaughan and Tuffers. Henry is equally revealing of his own performances and self-deprecatingly recalls his several verbal misfortunes while live broadcasting. Like the greatest commentators and writers on the game Blofeld has always understood that there is a world beyond the cricket field. Not forgetting pigeons passing, red buses and much loved cricket grounds, Henry Blofeld writes of his favourite countries, and experiences while travelling, and meeting and interviewing many cricket-loving celebrities. His passionate and entertaining book will become one of the classics of cricket's literature. Read more

'Brilliant' Paul Newman, Daily MailSHORTLISTED FOR THE BEST SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT BOOK OF THE YEARIn How Not to be a Cricketer, former England international and TV personality Phil Tufnell highlights the many potential pitfalls of a professional cricket career, and provides a hilarious insight into how to avoid them and what happens when, like him, you don't. I was the model cricketer – if anyone wanted to know how not to be one. My career included more ups and downs than the big dipper at Margate and more bumps than the dodgems next door. And yet somehow I climbed off the ride unblemished. I survived to walk away on my own terms. For someone who never quite fitted the mould, I was actually pretty good at not being a cricketer. In his superb new book, Phil Tufnell looks back over his life and career to provide brilliant advice and insights, often learned the hard way, from his own experiences as a cricketer. If you want to learn how to make a good first impression, maybe don’t have your hair cut in a Mohican. And when, after a drunken night on an England Under-19 tour to Barbados, the players were told ‘You cannot be caught coming in at a ridiculous hour and still be drunk in the morning’ most took his wise words on board; Tuffers vowed not to get caught. Packed with brilliant stories and revealing anecdotes about some of the great players of his time, such as Mike Atherton, Mike Gatting, Graham Gooch and Nasser Hussain, How Not to be a Cricketer is the perfect read for anyone who wants to know more about the potential pitfalls of the game, and how to avoid them.  Read more

The Glory Years is Theo Fennell's second volume of incidents from a chaotic and eventful life.Calamitous driving disasters, letting Hollywood down, a cringe-worthy attempted pick-up, unfortunate sporting catastrophes, Theo's canvas of chapters of accidents never fails to entertain and lift the spirits - there but for the grace of God...His first collection, I Fear For This Boy, is a much-loved bestseller and won plaudits for both its humour and its humanity. The Glory Years is another treat in store. Read more

Meet the champion Indian batter, Virat Kohli, in this stunning unofficial biography!From when he was a small boy, Virat Kohli’s special talent for cricket has wowed those around him – his family, friends, and eventually, his colleagues on the Indian national team. His dedication to his training and teammates, smart tactics and his incredible aptitude with a bat have placed him firmly among the ranks of the best cricketers of all time.Follow this impressive cricketer as he bats his way to international glory.Look out for the rest of the Amazing Cricket Stars series:Ben StokesHeather KnightMitchell Starc Read more

*THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER**Shortlisted for Autobiography of the Year at the Sports Book Awards 2024**Nominated for Sports Personality of the Year 2023*Readers are loving Stuart Broad 'An absolute must for cricket fans' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'One of the greatest of his generation' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Magnificent' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Brilliant' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'For all Test cricket lovers' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐________For over seventeen years, Stuart Broad left it all on the field. A multiple Ashes winner and World Champion, Broad was integral to some of the greatest England teams of all time. His awards and achievements, however, don't tell the whole story. He has always been a cricketer of more than mere numbers. Broad's passionate and spontaneous behaviour has mad him a fan favourite. No other player feeds off the crowd quite like he does. In his autobiography, Broad shares the moments from the game which have made him and those that almost broke him. What's clear, however, is his unwavering belief in his own ability to become one of the best ever. Candid, entertaining, and refreshingly honest, this book reveals the personal side of a true cricketing great. 'A candid and honest account of one of England's best-ever cricketers' Mirror'An England legend' Guardian'One of crickets greatest showmen' Independent__________Praise for Stuart Broad The longevity of his career, and what he has achieved, should never be forgotten. Ben StokesHe loves the big moments, the pressure situations. That's a true sign of a champion, I think. He's been incredible for England for a long, long time. Glen McGrathStuart Broad is the ultimate Ashes warrior. Ricky PontingOne of England's greatest players of all time. Joe RootTop 10 Sunday Times bestseller, UK, November 2023. Read more

ENTERTAINMENT SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024What Goes on Tour, Stays on Tour…Until Now!As a cricketer, broadcaster and celebrity jungle-dweller, Phil Tufnell has travelled the world far and wide. From the great cricket tours of Australia and South Africa to his equally memorable jaunts to Benidorm and Blackpool, Phil has spent much of his life living out of a suitcase, meeting a host of colourful and memorable characters along the way.The Tourist takes you out on the road, into the dressing room and behind the scenes of the commentary box to reveal just what really happens on Tour. Did Phil once push a baby grand piano down the stairs of a plush hotel? Did he accidentally eat a rat? Was he blamed for England being bowled out for 46 against the West Indies without even being in the team?There’s only one way to find out…It’s time to take a hilarious trip across the world with one of our most treasured sports personalities. Read more

WINNER OF THE 2024 WAINWRIGHT PRIZEWINNER OF THE 2023 RICHARD JEFFERIES AWARD FOR NATURE WRITING'Inspirational' - THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE'A bright, fierce hope for the future' -THE IRISH TIMES'An astonishing read' - AMY LIPTROT'Irresistible' - SARA BAUME 'Will leave you aching with world-love' - ABI ANDREWS 'Simply mesmerising' - JESSICA J. LEE'A tender, marvellous book' - NICK HUNTThis is a book about falling in love with vanishing things Late Light is the story of Michael Malay's own journey, an Indonesian Australian making a home for himself in England and finding strange parallels between his life and the lives of the animals he examines. Mixing natural history with memoir, this book explores the mystery of our animal neighbours, in all their richness and variety. It is about the wonder these animals inspired in our ancestors, the hope they inspire in us, and the joy they might still hold for our children. Late Light is about migration, belonging and extinction. Through the close examination of four particular 'unloved' animals - eels, moths, crickets and mussels - Michael Malay tells the story of the economic, political and cultural events that have shaped the modern landscape of Britain. For readers of Robert Macfarlane, Raynor Winn and Helen Macdonald, Late Light is a rich blend of memoir, natural history, nature writing, and a meditation on being and belonging, from a vibrant new voice. Read more

WINNER OF THE CRICKET SOCIETY AND MCC BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2016SHORTLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD'I doubt there will be a better book written about this period in West Indies cricket history.' Clive LloydCricket had never been played like this. Cricket had never meant so much. The West Indies had always had brilliant cricketers; it hadn’t always had brilliant cricket teams. But in 1974, a man called Clive Lloyd began to lead a side which would at last throw off the shackles that had hindered the region for centuries. Nowhere else had a game been so closely connected to a people’s past and their future hopes; nowhere else did cricket liberate a people like it did in the Caribbean.For almost two decades, Clive Lloyd and then Vivian Richards led the batsmen and bowlers who changed the way cricket was played and changed the way a whole nation – which existed only on a cricket pitch - saw itself. With their pace like fire and their scorching batting, these sons of cane-cutters and fishermen brought pride to a people which had been stifled by 300 years of slavery, empire and colonialism. Their cricket roused the Caribbean and antagonised the game’s traditionalists. Told by the men who made it happen and the people who watched it unfold, Fire in Babylon is the definitive story of the greatest team that sport has known. Read more