The Cricketing Dickens
Martin Chandler |Published: 2024
Pages: 45
Author: Midwinter, Eric
Publisher: Max Books
Rating: 3.5 stars
In the past I have reviewed three limited edition books or booklets on the subject of Charles Dickens and cricket, written by Irving Rosenwater in 1970, John Goulstone in 2004 and, thirdly, just a couple of years ago from James Merchant.
Rather foolishly in reviewing James Merchant’s book I expressed the view that he had produced the final word on Charles Dickens and our great game. I should, of course, have caveated that comment as, just two years later, the subject has been revisited again, this time by the renowned historian, both cricketing and social, Eric Midwinter.
The first thing that struck me this time was that none of the three previous titles are mentioned in Midwinter’s bibliography, a list which consists of just nine entries, all of them biographies of Dickens.
So it is no surprise to report that Midwinter has taken an entirely different approach to his subject than his three predecessors did. Midwinter’s extended monograph paints a much fuller picture of Dickens the man, where he came from, his upbringing and the development of his career as well as his life once he was established.
There is, naturally bearing in mind the title of the book, a look at the references to cricket in Dickens’ various works, and like the other men who have written on the subject Midwinter also concludes that when it came to cricket Dickens, despite what some have said are indications to the contrary, understood the game very well. Ultimately however my suspicion is simply that Midwinter is first and foremost a great admirer of Dickens and his work, and that he has decided to use cricket as a interesting digression in telling Dickens’ story.
Published in a limited edition of 125 copies this one can be purchased directly from publisher Max Books or, in Australia, from Roger Page. Ownership of all or any of the other published works on the subject should not put anyone off buying this one. Unless you are already well versed with Dickens life it will add a great deal to your knowledge of one of the best known of all English writers.
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