Arlott, Swanton and the Soul of English Cricket

Arlott, Swanton, and the Soul of English Cricket is a 2019 book that won the Telegraph Cricket Book of the Year Award. It is a beautifully written, meticulously researched, and rich in sporting and social history. It describes how John Arlott and E.W. (Jim) Swanton transformed the broadcasting of cricket into a national institution and how they battled to save the soul of the game as England moved from a class-based to a more egalitarian society. The book is praised for its wise, lively, and filled with rich social and sporting history.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 400 pages
\n Publication date: 18 April 2019
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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Winner of the Telegraph Cricket Book of the Year Award 2019, this captivating book is a testament to its author's exceptional writing, meticulous research, and abundance of rich sporting and social history. Beautifully written, it is an unputdownable read that captivates readers from start to finish.

After the Second World War, as the BBC tightened its grip on the national consciousness, two of the most famous English voices were commentators on games of cricket. John Arlott and E.W. (Jim) Swanton transformed the broadcasting of the nation's summer game into a national institution. Arlott and Swanton typified the contrasting aspects of post-war Britain. Because of their strong personalities and distinctive voices, Swanton's crisp and upper-class, Arlott's with its Hampshire burr, each had a loyal following. As England moved from a class-based to a more egalitarian society, nothing stayed the same, including professional cricket.

Wise, lively, and filled with rich social and sporting history, Arlott, Swanton, and the Soul of English Cricket showcases how, as the game entered a new era, these two very different men battled to save the soul of the game.

This book is a triumph of collaboration, as authors Kynaston and Fay have combined their insider-outsider sensitivities to create a near-seamless collaboration that is shrewd, worldly, balanced, and fresh. Their writing style is engaging and accessible, making it a must-read for cricket enthusiasts and sports fans alike.

In conclusion, Arlott, Swanton, and the Soul of English Cricket is a remarkable achievement that deserves to be celebrated. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of cricket in shaping the cultural and social landscape of England. Whether you are a seasoned cricket fan or a newcomer to the sport, this book is an essential read that will leave you inspired and informed.

\n Weight: 294g\n
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 26 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781408895375\n \n