This is a compelling and irreverent account of a sport that originated in 16th century England and was then gradually fed to the British Empire; nowadays, of course England are regularly outplayed by most of the commonwealth countries. The author's probing research has uncovered hitherto unrevealed secret scandals amongst the governing bodies of the game and of the complex lives of some of the great heroes of the past and present day. He reveals the plots and sub-plots that have, it can now be said, livened up the MCC Committee meetings at Lord's over the years.

Totally outrageous, written with Henry Blofeld's contagious sense of humour, Cricket and All That shows cricket as a game that has had a profound effect on the very structure of English life.

An hilarious and irreverent examination of the history of cricket.

About the Author
Henry began writing about cricket, for The Times, in May 1962 and in 1972 he started his long career as a commentator with the BBC's Test Match Special. During his career he has written for numerous papers and broadcast for both radio and television for many networks around the world especially in Australia and New Zealand. Between 1991 and 1993 he joined Sky Television before returning to Test Match Special after the death of Brian Johnston early in 1994. Since 2002 Henry Blofeld has performed in his humorous one-man show in theatres all round the country, and later he teamed up with his former TMS producer, Peter Baxter, for more than 250 two-man shows. He also had a successful partnership with England Spin Bowler, Graeme Swann. Henry now tours the country with his one man show.

Reviews
The one thing that shines throughout an entertaining and witty read is Blofeld's marked respesct for the game of cricket and its composite parts. * The Independent *
Blofeld has a strong feeling for the history of the magnificent game, but his wicked humour and sense of fun can all too often disguise an encyclopaedic knowledge. This is a canter through many of the well-worn tales that surround the game, with a good measure of the more obscure.' * Yorkshire Post *
As one would expect, Blofeld's new book is ripe with choiceness of opinion and observation ... of Alec Stewart: 'a magificent cricketer, but a captain who made Ethelred the Unready look hot stuff. * Eastern Daily Press *
His enthusiasm for the game is contagious and he has a rare wit, clearly influenced by his love of one of the greatest humourists of the last century, PG Wodehouse. * Telegraph & Argus *
Written with Henry Blofeld's contagious sense of humour, CRICKET AND ALL THAT shows cricket as a game that has had a profound effect on the very structure of English life. * Bolton Evening News *
A highly readable and impressively factual account. * The Cricketer *
...the Blofeld legend provides us all with some warmth and cheer. This book, the great mann's take on the history of the game, is well up to standard. It takes the game at a rattling pace from its medieval oriigins to the present day. * Simon Heffer, Country Life *



Book Information
ISBN 9780340819746
Author Henry Blofeld
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Coronet Books
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
Weight(grams) 140g
Dimensions(mm) 176mm * 114mm * 17mm