An excellent book and must-read for all cricket fans.

This was a truly fascinating exploration of the history of cricket in this country, from the first steps into organised games through to modern history. It was great to read about how teams from southern England sought to balance the desire for competitive cricket against the desire for the "spirit" of the game to be maintained (and the in-fighting that arose as a result). I think the thing I found most interesting was, as an amateur cricketer, reading about names and leagues with which I have interacted in my career (as well as my own club getting a mention!).

Just a great book about the history of the game.

*Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for supplying a copy of this e-book in return for an honest review.*

This must-read social history of cricket exposes the myths of the gentleman's game throughout time. But it is not just a read for cricket or history buffs but a must-read for people trying to understand England's place in the world and sport. Probably the most amazing part of this book is the way it delves deep into the history of cricket that even as a fan I didn't know I didn't know. By exploring the class and racial dynamics of cricket over time we not only see the ways that society influenced the game but more interestingly how the game has influenced the society it is played in.

Much needed and well written history of cricket, focusing on an often ignored (or deliberately obfuscated) class analysis of the game.

The book was obviously very thoroughly well researched, and was extremely interesting. However, I must admit that I found it (excuse the pun) a slog in parts, it was quite dry and I felt it used facts over imagery slightly too often.

One for the cricketing historian purists to pore over maybe, whereas maybe like a modern T20 watcher, I want more immediate gratification!!

This was an unexpected delight as it a wonderfully researched treasure trove of revisionist history and facts about the development of the game of cricket which skewers and debunks the myths about it being a game for the upper class and gentlemen.

Duncan Stone is an academic who has immersed himself in the history of the recreational game and provides valuable insights into the history of cricket leagues not just in the North of England as is already well known, but also reveals how hard competitive cricket was also commonplace in the South.

He is particularly strong on the myopic and prejudiced way that the game has been run and the hoary old tropes that have persisted throughout the decades.

It a an important book that deserves to be read by all interested in the history and running of the game.