{"title":"Geoff Armstrong","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover the fascinating world of Geoff Armstrong, an acclaimed author known for his insightful works in history and military literature. His expertise and passion for historical events come alive in his captivating narratives, offering readers a thorough glimpse into the past. Geoff Armstrong's collection is perfect for those with a keen interest in history and sports, making complex events accessible and engaging for a wide audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of his standout works, \u003cem\u003eA Thing of Beauty: The Founding of the Sydney Cricket Ground\u003c\/em\u003e, showcases his exceptional ability to weave rich historical details with engaging storytelling. This book delves into the origin and development of one of Australia's most iconic sporting venues, the Sydney Cricket Ground, blending history and sport into a compelling narrative that captivates both cricket enthusiasts and history buffs alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy exploring Geoff Armstrong's collection, you'll embark on a journey through time, discovering pivotal moments and extraordinary stories that have shaped the world we live in today. Whether you're a seasoned reader of history or someone looking to dip their toes into the genre, Geoff Armstrong's books provide a treasure trove of knowledgeable insights and vivid storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"a-thing-of-beauty-the-founding-of-the-sydney-cricket-ground-by-geoff-armstrong-9780648733188","title":"A Thing of Beauty: The Founding of the Sydney Cricket Ground","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Thing of Beauty: The Founding of the Sydney Cricket Ground\u003c\/em\u003e is an exquisite two-volume work that tells the remarkable story of how a small group of men turned land that was once a mix of sand and swamp into the finest cricket ground in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Thing of Beauty\u003c\/em\u003e is published in association with Venues NSW and the SCG, and tells how the men who built the ground quickly learned that maintaining, let alone improving, a major sports arena is an expensive business. As a result, through the 1890s, sports such as cycling and rugby and events such as school carnivals and fireworks displays took place alongside the big cricket matches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1895, champion American cyclist Arthur Zimmerman raced in front of a record SCG crowd. An asphalt cycling track was then built around the perimeter of the cricket field, and lights were added soon after.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThree consecutive Ashes cricket series caused huge controversy. The first, in 1891-92, might have been a disaster but for the work of SCG secretary Sydney Fairland. The second, three years later, was backed by the SCG Trustees and made a fortune. The third, in 1897-98, led to the demise of the SCG's 'Ground Committee' and to a larger involvement of politicians in the venue's administration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Macmillan Publishers New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47350547710188,"sku":"9780648733188","price":62.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/107d5869746595c7336ecf8cd616415f.jpg?v=1772538491"},{"product_id":"a-thing-of-beauty-the-founding-of-the-sydney-cricket-ground-by-geoff-armstrong-9780648733171","title":"A Thing of Beauty: The Founding of the Sydney Cricket Ground","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eA Thing of Beauty: The Founding of the Sydney Cricket Ground\u003c\/i\u003e is an exquisite two-volume work that tells the remarkable story of how a small group of men transformed land that was once a mix of sand and swamp into the finest cricket ground in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBoth volumes are published in association with Venues NSW and the SCG and are written by Geoff Armstrong, who has been described as 'Australia's pre-eminent sports historian'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn Volume 1, Armstrong reveals how the men who developed the ground quickly learned that maintaining, let alone improving, a major sports arena is an expensive business. They needed entertainment that brought money through the gate, which meant that from the start of the 1880s, sports such as cycling and football, as well as events like school carnivals and fireworks displays, took place alongside cricket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome aspects of the story told in Volume 1 are familiar to SCG stalwarts, such as the ongoing battles with the NSW Cricket Association and the building of the iconic Members Stand. Other parts, such as the great cricket riot of 1879, Managing Trustee Philip Sheridan's crucial role in the birth of the Ashes, and how rugby union and cycling rose to prominence in the 1880s, are not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Macmillan Publishers New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47350547742956,"sku":"9780648733171","price":62.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/690c9a48ab6487089b5bc493c96b59f1.jpg?v=1772538486"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/geoff-armstrong.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}