Cricket from the Grandstand by Keith Miller lands on the |> SALE <| shelves in my shop.
Oldbourne, 1959, Hardback in dust wrapper.
Illustrated by way of: Black and White Photographs;
From the cover: Keith Miller, the great all-rounder, after an unprecedented career in first-class cricket, is in the grandstand. Always unpredictable, this is the man who would bowl a leg-break with the new ball or hit sixes when his side was pottering to a draw. He retired at a time when he was at the peak of his ability.
Even though he now watches from the grandstand, he is still the same Keith Miller. His opinions are open and hard-hitting, but as honest as they arc outspoken.
Why did he quit cricket in his prime? Here is the answer and there can be little doubt as to what Miller means by his remarks. He castigates gamesmanship suggesting that Trevor Bailey should be fined a run for every minute he wastes. He focuses a critical spotlight on his friends Bill Edrich and Denis Compton, and has much to say about the legend of the Middlesex twins.
He says, frankly: The fate of English County cricket is of common interest to all cricket-playing nations. And I dont like the way English County cricket is ticking over.
He tackles the Wardle affair, the position of Peter May, snobbishness in cricket, shamateurism, and many other topics. But even at his most controversial his ideas arc all directed to one target: the betterment of the game he loves so well.
To round off this new book he has provided his own highly personal account of the Test matches played during 1958-9, when England surrendered the Ashes. He brings the games, day by day, to life on the page and says precisely what he thinks on such matters as umpiring, doubtful catches and the chuckers union. Raciness, hard-hitting, controversy these are the qualities we expect from Keith Miller. Here we get them in full measure in a grand book.
Very Good in Good Dust Wrapper. A little rubbing to the edges of the dust wrapper which is a little faded. Gently bruised at the head, tail and corners of the binding. Pages lightly age-tanned.
Blue boards with Gilt titling to the Spine. 165 pages. 8¾” x 5¾”.
Of course, if you don’t like this one there are plenty more available here!
BookLovers of Bath 