Harold Larwood Paperback – July 26, 2016

A wonderful book on one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, who was treated by the English cricket authorities in one of the shabbiest manners of all time.

One of the best biographies I have ever read. it would interest cricket-lovers and those who don't have any interest in the game at all

This book won the William Hill Sports Book of Year in 2009 and is one of the worthiest winners of the award.The Bodyline cricket series is remembered as the only aberration to the greatness and near immortality of Donald Bradman ostensibly brought about by unfair means of bodyline bowling. The culpable men - Douglas Jardine and Harold Larwood.Unfortunately for Harold Larwood, Bodyline is all most cricket fans associate him with and remember him for. Well not anymore. All thanks to his fellow Nottingham man, Duncan Hamilton.In this meticulously researched and beautifully crafted book, Hamilton gives us a biography that a cricketer of Larwood's stature truly deserves. Not only does he detail the pacer's life before and after the cricket series, he also builds a convincing portrayal of what Bodyline truly was - a gladiatorial contest between a great batsman and a great fast bowler where the honours went to the latter. In doing so he debunks the commonly held belief that Jardine, Larwood and company used unfair means to stop the Don. The hero-villain depiction was also created because of what happened after the series - Bradman went on to become the greatest batman in the game while the English cricket mandarins did a quick about turn and banished Jardine and Larwood from the game, finding them guilty of tarnishing the game.The passing years cemented this belief and the genuinely great quick bowling exploits of Larwood were lost and forgotten. Luckily, Larwood's feats were recognized and applauded by most of the Aussies who played in the historic series. And that remains the greatest proof that Larwood was one of the greatest who delivered a performance for the ages.The book traces Larwood's journey from being a young Nottinghamshire miner to becoming the fastest and most feared bowler in the world, whose career and honour are ruined by injury, politics and an ungrateful cricket establishment, before he finds redemption and peace in Australia and amongst Aussies.The book is full of wonderful anecdotes which make for fascinating reading. Duncan Hamilton is at times a little too sympathetic to Harold, but we can allow him a little leeway given that he is restoring the glory of a cricketer who got more than his fair share of bad luck.He played a cerebral role in finding a chink in Bradman's armour and creating a weapon to exploit it. This helps correct his historic portrayal as a dim lad who was Jardine's lackey. The two shared a great relationship till the very end. Larwood had the highest regard for his captain and never blamed him for his miseries.The two have never been given their due for being so far ahead of their time and doing something which has become an industry in itself today - detailed video analysis to study opponents and prepare for games.One of the strengths of this book is Larwood's detailed character sketch which paints Larwood as a proud and honourable man who always gave his best for king, captain and country in the most difficult circumstances. He was a principled man who refused to take the chance to resurrect his cricket career at the cost of his honour.The study of Larwood's post bodyline trauma is touching. He is completely overcome with a deep sense of extreme injustice and unable to come to terms with it. He shuns the world of cricket and is afraid of facing his past colleagues.His redemption is equally heart warming. He finds a new life in Australia and slowly reconnects with cricket and cricketers. The respect and admiration that he receives from his fellow cricketers does most of the healing.Larwood was the worthiest adversary Bradman had and he was arguably the greatest fast bowler of his generation. In purely cricketing terms, he got the better of Bradman. He stuck to his principals in spite of his hardships and will never get the recognition he deserved. Bradman got fame and used it to make money. Duncan Hamilton has done his bit to make the long departed Larwood feel less aggrieved about life. He has done so by writing for Harold Larwood one of the greatest cricketing biographies if not the greatest cricket book of all time.

Absolutely enthralling. So well written. It took me deep into the story. An even better bowler than I ever I realized. The 15 year depression. My Grandpa knew Hammond with Gloucestershire. He was capped for Wales during Bodyline. And my Dad ran a sweet shop like Larwood. The book connects you with your own word. And forgiveness is essential. Didn’t realize that Jardine may have been a better man than Bradman if not a better cricketer. He did win a series down under though.

A solid biography that focuses as much on the man as his cricket, although the two are inseparable as Larwood discovers. Nicely constructed to bring out the irony of Larwood ending his days as an Aussie.

I bought this as an Audible book because I will listen to just about anything read by Alex Jennings ("The History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters" by Julian Barnes is nothing short of brilliant) -- but it assumes a level of knowledge and understanding of the game of cricket that as an American I simply do not possess. I daresay there are Brits who are in the same boat.

I bought this book as I had heard many stories of Harold Larwood,I live only two miles from where he was born and lived,my step dad went to school with him and when they went into the pits when they left school..My step dad used to say when his lead foot hit the line when bowling you could hear the thud five miles away,when Harold left for Australia as an elder person my aunt and uncle bought his house it was beautiful and the fire place surround was all embossed with the England cricket emblem . He took a lot of flak for the "Body Line" but was only following instructions from his captain,we have a lovely statue in our town centre of him bowling,a fitting tribute..the book was thoughtfully written and I enjoyed every word,

Astounding book,fantastically researched and written. A great read to a time gone by when values were so different to today. You feel as if you're actually viewing history through a book. Essential reading for cricket fan interested in Bodyline but it's more than just that,it's about Harold Larwood from upbringing,work life and his cricket career and life after cricket who is still revered 27 years after his death.

A decent biography of one the greats of English cricket is long overdue and Hamilton does Harold Larwood proud. Packed with fascinating and often very funny anecdotes, Hamilton tells the story of Larwood's rise from the mines of Nottingham to become the fastest, most devastating and most feared bowler in the world. Every aspect of Larwood's career from the early days at Notts through to the England period, the Bodyline tour and aterwards is handled with immense care and detail. Yes, it's an athorised biography, so it's kind to Larwood. But Hamilton gives plenty of insight into this prickly, proud and stubborn character. Brilliant on his relationships with Voce, Jardine, Carr, the MCC and, of course, Bradman and the appalling way the events unfolded in the aftermath of the Bodyline crisis. Extraordinary how welcoming and kind the Australians were to him when he finally emigrated there.Harold Larwood is a very touching, warm and gripping read, though Hamilton could have done with a sterner editor because it's a tad over-written in places. But don't let that stop you buying and enjoying this marvellous biography of a great gentleman and giant of cricket.

Over the years since this book was published Duncan Hamilton has become I think, our finest living cricket writer. The William Hill Sports Book of the Year for 2009 is essential for lovers of cricket history and one of the key people who shaped that history. Recommended without a moment's hesitation.

Just when you though that nothing more could be written or found out about Larwood's life along comes an author about whom nobody (until now) knew much about and wrote this stunning book. Hamilton got access to all manner of personal material and it is beautifully written and laid out. there are so many tales, many of which are humorous and it will amuse and inform on every page. The bit about Larwood going to the gentleman's club in London with his captain Jardine to discuss tactics is quite informative and touching. This sold by word of mouth and no wonder is own an award or tow - absolutely fantastic.