C. L. R. JamesBeyond a Boundary: 50th Anniversary Edition (The C. L. R. James Archives)

I originally chose it because I was familiar with the West indies team of the 50s and 60s -- (once hit 2 against them) -- but this book turned out to be much more significant than a sports journal or "tell all". James moves through the history and context of cricket in the WI , weaving in the ties to the British public school culture, class 'warfare' and "the Empire".Although his stated aim is to produce a reasoned argument for a case (which he does), it can also be enjoyed by reading segments that are of particular interest (e.g. Victorian era, WG Grace, the great tours,the rise of professionalism, the 3 Ws) and as a reference -- particularly if of WI heritage.The writing style is crisp and often repetitive -- at first this was disconcerting, but I chose to imagine James talking to me or a group and putting out his thoughts and intermingled facts with the skill of a passionate advocate. It worked.My original plan was to read and pass on but it stays on my bookshelf -- trustworthy borrowers only!

A classic. And the autobiographical stories of late-colonial West Indies are wonderful, and wonderfully written. A great second perspective, for anyone interested in a view of this time, other than VS Naipaul.However, the cricket is incredibly technical, long, and dense. The author seems to revel in using detailed sports terminology, which must have been a little "inside baseball" even at the time when it was written. It's hard to understand, even for a modern cricket fan. And completely incomprehensible for someone who doesn't the game beyond a flat bat, a bowler, and overs.The author seems to have disdain for the uninformed reader, when it comes to matters of sport. Although not at all for those who may know nothing of his island, which he loves informing the reader about.Which is a shame, because the book was thus written to date itself quickly. I'd love to see an edition that includes explanatory notes, or just cuts out some of the very technical cricket that has little to do with the overall story. It's almost a collection of unrelated chapters at times, although it certainly has on overall arc.A Gulag Archipelago of sorts. Much shorter, and less heavy. Although at times, it's hard to tell the difference.

Do people STILL need to be told how sublime this book is???

One of the outstanding books of our time. James development of his thesis on the relationship between sport and politics in the wider context of race, colonialism and socio political development is outstanding.Derek WilshereLower HuttNew ZealandAward of Merit , International Hockey Federation

Extended essay of the relation of sports and culture. Lots of insightful thoughts. Not for anyone who has no familiarity with cricket.

Not an easy read but it is a great one. The book explores colonialism through the lens of cricket. Very interesting.

Great read.

The author, a West Indian independence campaigner and politician once barred from the US for his communist links, describes the social, cultural and political impact of cricket in the UK and the Caribbean in the 19th and 20th centuries. This includes the social gradations between different cricket clubs in the West Indies in the early 20th century (which depended upon skin colour or degree of 'whiteness' as much as on socio economic status). He also describes Dr W G Grace's role as the great popularizer of cricket in the 19th century, turning it from a game played mainly by a narrow group of upper class Englishmen to one of enormous popular appeal. His powerful descriptions of some of the most graceful and elegant cricketers of his time (such as Sir Garfield Sobers) are matched by his love for the game and his deep understanding of the political and cultural factors that drive the importance of sport in modern society. Above all, it is stimulating to read and beautifully written.