Anthony Woodhouse – A Tribute
Martin Chandler |Published: 2003
Pages: 6
Author: Rosenwater, Irving
Publisher: Private
Rating: 3 stars
As Rosenwater monographs go this is a slightly unusual one, in that the original purpose of it was as, presumably, an introduction to a catalogue issued by Bodyline Books. That particular dealership, based originally in London and then Farnham, is no longer trading under that name although it continues, in spirit at least, as Sportspages.
Anthony Woodhouse, who died in 2003 at the age of 71, was known in cricket circles for three reasons. First and foremost he was a member at Yorkshire and regularly attended the county’s matches over many years. He was also an occasional writer on the game, and although his output was not prodigious he was responsible for the 600+ pages of the Yorkshire volume in the Christopher Helm county history series, published in 1989. Lastly he was one of the leading cricket collectors of his time, his cricket library comprising well over 12,000 items.
I suppose it would be useful in understanding why the monograph exists, to see the catalogue that it graced, but regrettably for me I do not own a copy. Perhaps it was Yorkshire themed, or perhaps it contained items from Woodhouse’s collection, but whatever the reason for its appearance it would certainly have been enjoyed by all the bibliophiles who received it.
A popular, engaging and well-liked man Woodhouse knew Rosenwater well and this is the sort of tribute that would not have relied on research. Rather it is simply the product of Rosenwater’s memory and is unflinchingly generous towards his old friend.
In addition to its appearance in the catalogue Rosenwater, as he so often did, ran off ten copies of the tribute, and signed and numbered them. He kept one and gave the other nine copies away, one to Woodhouse’s widow, and five to Bodyline Books to sell for ‘whatever price they felt appropriate’ – what that was I know not.
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