More Than a Game

The former Prime Minister examines the history of one of the great loves of his life. Throughout John Major's life, one of the constant factors has been his deep love of cricket. In this sumptuously illustrated book he delves deep into the game's history, tracing its development from its rustic beginnings to the international sport we know today. Along the way he examines -- and at times demolishes -- many cherished myths. Among the subjects to which he pays particular attention are the changing social role of cricket, developments in the rules, the emergence of the professional player, the game's spread throughout the British Empire and the part it has played in cementing international relations. John Major's history of cricket reflects not only his lifelong passion for the game, but the depth of his research among a wealth of hitherto neglected but fascinating sources. It is a significant addition to the already rich literature of the greatest game of all.

'Expertly compiled and beautifully produced!it's a book full of insight, wisdom and dry humour and, most important of all, unquenchable enthusiasm which will be appreciated by everyone who shares it.' Sunday Times 'Passion flows through every page!it's likely that as a work of reference "More Than a Game" will supplant its predecessors!long after all the self-serving political memoirs have been utterly forgotten, "More Than a Game" will still be settling arguments and giving pleasure across the civilised, cricket-loving world.' Sunday Telegraph 'I cannot imagine a better guide -- authoritative, graceful and always with an eye to bringing out the quirky characters who have made cricket "more than a game"!(Major's) fascination with human behaviour makes lively reading!as a readable and likeable historian of what he loves, he takes some beating. He knows the beauty of the game and makes it live.' Daily Mail 'A thoroughly accessible history of cricket!the author's passion for a sport has resulted in a volume that could become the definitive account of cricket's early years.' Waterstones Books Quarterly 'Major's richly detailed history of the game interleaves anecdotes of test match results being passed round cabinet meetings with stories of the game's early patrons.' Observer 'It's a spectacular achievement. I can't think of anyone else who could have given such an authoritative inner and overview of the game and have the ability and knowledge to put it in the context of cultural, commercial, historical and social happenings at the same time. But more than that, it is a personal book and, even with the extraordinary amount of information, thoroughly readable!a startlingly good book. John has done a marvellous job, and I think, for the first time ever, we have both the reasonably well-known and the unknown facts about cricket put in a social and historical context and in a readable and concise fashion.' David Rayvern Allen 'One of the most detailed, balanced and wide-ranging histories of cricket in Britain yet written.' The Times 'Pleasure shines through this history of the game!nothing quite beats his preface, with his recollections of playing the game as a boy!he gives a stirring account of the way cricket spread across the globe!this book is, above all, a manifesto for his love of the game.' The Guardian 'There's something charming and quintessentially English about this book. Major clearly loves his cricket, has read widely about its early years and is delightfully eager to convey his affection to the reader.' Daily Telegraph 'Major has a sharp sense of history!is lucid on the development of the game!thoroughly even-handed about the sharp conduct of some of the early impresarios of the sport!acute about the input of the aristocratic and autocratic amateurs who dominated the running of the sport!succinct and illuminating!frequently entertaining!As this books makes clear, John Major knows a lot about cricket and a lot of other things too.' Independent on Sunday 'Irresistible!this is history of the highest quality!elegant and amusingly written!a proper comprehensive history, going further and deeper than earlier accounts. It has been wrapped by Harper Press like a treasure. So it should be.' Tribune 'It is a fine, scholarly work. Major's passion for the game does not dupe him into looking at cricket's past through rose-hued spectacles, however. The hard disinterested historian's eye is the prism through which this cricketing history is told!this book proves him to be a first-rate scholar and writer.' The New Statesman 'Major handles the history well!but non-cricket fans will find his personal touches more engaging.' The Observer 'Major's book is highly readable.' The Independent 'Delightfully readable!there is plenty of diverting material!the author carefully blends careful scholarship with light-hearted asides--well-played Sir John!' Country Life

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