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The Authors XI: A Season of English Cricket from Hackney to Hambledon

The Authors XI: A Season of English Cricket from Hackney to Hambledon

by TheAuthorsCricketClub (Author)

  • Used

    Paperback 2014

    $3.29
Synopsis

Cricket has perhaps held more writers in its thrall than any other sport: many excellent books have been written about it, and many great authors have played it. The Authors Cricket Club used to play regularly against teams made up of Publishers and Actors. They last played in 1912, and include among their alumni such greats as PG Wodehouse, Arthur Conan Doyle and JM Barrie. A hundred years on from their last match, a team of modern-day authors has been assembled to continue this fine literary and sporting tradition in a nationwide tour in search of the perfect day's cricket. The Authors XI is the story of their season. Over the course of a summer they played over a dozen matches, each one capturing an aspect of cricket, in some of England's most spectacular and historic grounds and against a range of opponents. Each player contributes a chapter, using a match report as a starting point for an essay on cricket and its appeal, both historically and today. From Matthew Parker on cricket and empire, and Kamila Shamsie on the women's game, to Tom Holland on cricket and ageing, and Thomas Penn on cricket and history, this is an engaging look at cricket's enduring appeal. Further chapters from other team members examine issues such as class, empire, and sport and the stage.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
 Pages: 240
 Publisher: Wisden
Published: 08 May 2014
ISBN 10: 1408840472
ISBN 13: 9781408840474
Book Overview: An insightful and affectionate look at modern cricket and its appeal by a historic team of cricket-obsessed writers. With a foreword by Sebastian Faulks.

Media Reviews
I once said I never met a cricketer I didn't like and this book goes some way to explaining why. A wonderful celebration of the best of games * Sir Michael Parkinson *
Funny, tender, absorbing and full of delightful surprises; this is as lovely a book about the game of cricket as you could wish to read * Michael Simkins *
A seductive blend of action and reflection, of humour and anecdotage, all underscored by the eternal truth that the memory of a sweetly timed cover drive transcends any amount of flannelled foolishness * David Kynaston *
No tail-enders in this XI. Every essay lyrically evokes the still paradise of summer, the beauty of cricket and why the game matters so much to those of us who can't possibly imagine life without it * Duncan Hamilton *
Most cricket authors are better at cricket than writing. Reversing this principle is a revelation * Simon Barnes *
The Authors' search for the grail should fascinate and amuse anyone with a love for the game * Daily Telegraph *
A gem of diverse, entertaining prose from a variety of exceptional wordsmiths * All Out Cricket *
Author Bio
There were just one of several literary cricket teams around at the beginning of the twentieth century - famously, JM Barrie had his Allahakbarries and PG Wodehouse, AA Milne and Punch all had their own elevens. But the Authors were the only team made up entirely of writers and they would play at Lord's each year, against the Publishers and Actors. Arthur Conan Doyle and Wodehouse often opened the batting. The Authors played their last match in 1912, losing to the Publishers. A century on, the Authors were revived by Charlie Campbell and Nicholas Hogg. The new-look side includes brothers Tom and James Holland, William Fiennes and Alex Preston, professional-cricketer-turned-author Ed Smith and historians Matthew Parker and Thomas Penn. Follow them on Twitter at @AuthorsCC.