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.

About the Author

John Major was leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997. He is the President of Surrey County Cricket Club.

Reviews

'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

Awards
Winner of British Sports Book Awards: Best Cricket Book 2008.



Book Information
ISBN 9780007183654
Author John Major
Format Paperback
Page Count 400
Imprint HarperPerennial
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 340g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 28mm