Reviews of Reviews
Archie Mac |Published: 2011
Author: CricketWeb
Publisher: CricketWeb
Rating: 4 stars
There is a programme on TV called “The Movie Show” in which two critics rate the latest movies out of five stars. The two critics/hosts were shocked when the show was parodied and they were depicted as vehemently disagreeing over every movie. The critics were shocked because as they rightly pointed out they agreed 99% of the time.
So although I originally thought the idea of assessing books already reviewed on site was attractive in that I would create some interesting debate, it quickly became apparent, just like The Movie Show critics the team of reviewers on CW pretty much agree on what a quality cricket book read is.
Not Dark Yet
by Mike Harfield
Published 2008
Pages 149
Publisher Loose Chippings Books
Rating 4 Stars
This was reviewed by both Martin and David, on 15 February 2010 (3.5 stars) and it seems we all enjoyed it. Harfield has a relaxed writing style which suits his subject matter admirably. The book is predominately about the annual match between Mike Harfield’s XI and Clifton Hampden.
For ten years my father in law has babysat a number of my children and for the entire time he has flicked through a variety of cricket books sitting on the cabinet in the lounge room waiting to be transported into the book room upstairs. I have often said to him feel free to take any of the books home to read, but he never has until he asked to borrow Not Dark Yet he enjoyed it so much he took Harfield’s other book Spirit on The Water home to read as well. For me the father in law borrowing this book is high praise indeed and gives an idea of the interesting and exciting style of the author.
Echoes from a Golden Age
by Duncan Anderson
Published 2010
Pages 339
Publisher Boundary Books
Rating 4 Stars
This was reviewed by Martin, on 30 January 2011 (4.5 stars) and as Martin pointed out, with just 100 signed copies most won’t have this book in their collection. I agree with Martin, the pictures are great I loved perusing them. Although I thought some of the dates which are not easy to assess are incorrect for a number of the Australian players.
The history provided on the development of photography and in particularly the firms of Brighton who captured the images displayed in the book was new and fascinating information I have not previously read. The one disappointment was the text which accompanied the photos. The formula was consistent but predictable and would have benefited from some more anecdotes.
The production of the book is first class and those who can obtain a copy will treasure it.
Tony Greig
by David Tossell
Published 2011
Pages 252
Publisher Pitch Publishing
Rating 4.5 Stars
This was reviewed by Martin, on 1 May 2011 (4.5 stars) after writing one of the best ever tour books in Grovel! David Tossell was an obvious choice to write the biography of the main character in Tony Greig. As the author points out Greig does not receive the credit he is due, being unfavourably compared to Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff despite having the best batting average of the three and a comparable bowling average to Flintoff.
The book is certainly not bogged down in statistics although it does cover Greig’s cricket career in detail. Instead it deals with the personality of Greig, who comes across as an ambitious person determined to cash in on his fame as a Test cricketer. Once you know this about Greig it is not surprising he becomes heavily involved in the recruiting for Kerry Packer in the WSC schism.
Tossell’s account of WSC and the involvement of Greig is entertaining and expertly dissected. One of the best modern biographies, it should be read by all cricket fans.
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