First of the Summer Wine: George Hirst, Schofield Haigh, Wilfred Rhodes and the Gentle Heart of Yorkshire Cricket

The remarkable story of three Yorkshire cricketers from the Golden Age - George Hirst, Wilfred Rhodes, and Schofield Haigh - who transformed their county's fortunes, inspired a generation of cricketers, and left a unique legacy on the game is celebrated in Pearson's biography, The First of the Summer Wine.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

The remarkable story of three Yorkshire cricketers from the Golden Age, George Hirst, Wilfred Rhodes, and Schofield Haigh, unfolds like a captivating tale of transformation and legacy. These three extraordinary athletes, hailing from the picturesque villages just outside Huddersfield, in the heart of Last of the Summer Wine country, left an indelible mark on the game of cricket. Between them, Hirst, Rhodes, and Haigh amassed an astonishing tally of over 77,000 runs and claimed nearly 9000 wickets in a combined 2500 appearances. Their remarkable achievements helped Yorkshire secure seven County Championship triumphs, a feat that will forever remain etched in the annals of the sport.

However, what sets these three men apart is not just their statistical prowess but their profound influence on the game. Hirst pioneered and perfected the art of swing and seam bowling, revolutionizing the way bowlers approached the game. Rhodes, with his unmatched wicket-taking ability, claimed more first-class wickets than any other player in history. Meanwhile, Haigh's achievements as a bowler at Yorkshire were surpassed only by his two close friends, and their influence extended far beyond England.

In a remarkable twist, all three men ventured to India to coach, laying the foundations of cricket in the subcontinent. Their dedication and expertise not only shaped the game in India but also had a lasting impact on the development of cricket worldwide.

The captivating journey of these cricketing stars is brought to life in Pearson's biography of Learie Constantine, Connie. Through vivid storytelling, Pearson vividly portrays the characters and the era, showcasing how these cricketing icons came to symbolize the essence of Yorkshire. This was a time when the gritty northern professionals from the White Rose county took on some of the most glittering amateurs of the age, including W.G. Grace, C.B. Fry, Prince Ranji, and Gilbert Jessop. Renowned writers such as Neville Cardus and J.M.Kilburn were on hand to document and celebrate their achievements, bringing their stories to a wider audience.

The First of the Summer Wine, while celebrating a vanished age, also reveals the profound impact of Hirst, Rhodes, and Haigh on the modern era of cricket. Their contributions laid the foundation for the development of the sport, inspiring generations of cricketers and shaping the way the game is played today.

In conclusion, the remarkable story of George Hirst, Wilfred Rhodes, and Schofield Haigh serves as a testament to the power of sport and the indelible mark it leaves on individuals and communities. Their legacy as Yorkshire cricketers, their influence on the game of cricket, and their contributions to the development of the sport in India are truly awe-inspiring. Through Pearson's captivating biography, we are invited to relive the golden age of Yorkshire cricket and celebrate the enduring spirit of these three extraordinary athletes.

Weight: 518g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398501522