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Berkmann's Cricketing Miscellany

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( 59 ratings, 10 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Berkmann's Cricketing Miscellany is a captivating collection of cricket trivia, tales, and quirky facts curated by Marcus Berkmann, author of the beloved cricket classics Rain Men and Zimmer Men. It explores the eccentricities of the game through fascinating anecdotes such as an England captain who smoked two million cigarettes, an Australian captain naming himself as his favourite animal, and surprising historical intersections including Hitler's opinion on cricket and a first-class cricketer who perished on the Titanic. With an entire XI team composed of players named after freshwater fish and stories that blend humour with cricket's rich heritage, this miscellany is a treasure trove for any cricket enthusiast.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for cricket fans, sports trivia lovers, and readers who appreciate the quirky and anecdotal side of the game. It suits those who enjoy engaging stories steeped in cricketing culture and history, as well as anyone seeking a charming and entertaining companion for cricket matches or leisure reading.

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The defining collection of cricketing miscellany from the pre-eminent cricket humourist

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Marcus Berkmann, author of the cricket classics Rain Men and Zimmer Men, returns to the great game with this irresistible miscellany of cricketing trivia, stories, and more fascinating facts than Geoffrey Boycott could shake a stick of rhubarb at.

Which England captain smoked two million cigarettes in his lifetime? Which Australian captain, asked what his favourite animal was, said 'Merv Hughes'? What did Hitler think of cricket? Which National Hunt trainer had a dog called Sobers? Who was described in his obituary as 'perhaps the only unequivocally popular man in Yorkshire'?

No other sport is so steeped in oddness and eccentricity. There's the only Test player ever to be executed for murder, the only first-class cricketer to die on the Titanic, and the only bestselling author to catch fire while playing at Lord's. (It was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The ball hit a box of matches in his pocket.)

All cricket is here, including an XI entirely made up of players who share their names with freshwater fish.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Celebrated as a delightful and comprehensive compendium, this book has been praised for its rich trivia and engaging storytelling. The Daily Mail likens it to a perfect cricket tea, brimming with well-crafted writing and essential cricket knowledge, while The Bookseller calls it an alternative Wisden ideal for wet weather delays. The Radio Times highlights the fantastic stories, and The Times admires Berkmann's charming blend of boyish enthusiasm and thoughtful reflection. The Sunday Times commends the author for bringing the romantic spirit of village cricket fields to life in this enjoyable anthology of gossip and legend.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780349145129

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 June 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Abacus

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 228g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Marcus Berkmann has spent more than thirty years sitting in front of various television screens swearing at incompetent England batsmen. In his leisure time he has written columns on sport for Punch, the Independent on Sunday and the Daily Express. He is a regular contributor to Private Eye and film critic of the Oldie, and writes book reviews for the Daily Mail. His books include Rain Men: The Madness of Cricket, Zimmer Men: The Trials and Tribulations of the Ageing Cricketer, Fatherhood: The Truth and A Matter of Facts: The Insider's Guide to Quizzing.

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