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Behind The White Ball: My Autobiography
Behind The White My Autobiography [Paperback] Jimmy White and Rosemary Kingsland
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 23, 2025
Behind the White Ball is an unfiltered autobiography that dives headfirst into the chaotic world of snooker icon Jimmy White. Co-written with Rosemary Kingsland, detailing his journey from a scrappy South London childhood and school truant to becoming one of the sport’s 'People's Champion'.
From the opening pages, readers are drawn into Jimmy’s murky but vivid beginnings, where smoky snooker halls, pool hustling, and cheeky ambition collided to launch the whirlwind that would define his career. The narrative weaves early snooker milestones with a heavy dose of his unpredictable personal life, from the pressures of fame to the cost it took on those closest to him, particularly his wife, Maureen, and their children.
Interesting Points:
Zans Snooker Club. This South London dive is painted as both sanctuary and battleground, where Jimmy learned to play, gamble, and navigate shady characters. It’s as much a character in the book as the people inside it.
Meeting ‘Dodgey Bob’.Jimmy’s unofficial first manager and taxi driver, Dodgey Bob is a colourful figure whose blend of charm and chaos matched Jimmy’s lifestyle perfectly. Together, they embarked on impromptu exhibition matches, often with little to no preparation.
The Hustler’s Life. Jimmy’s approach to snooker was often unorthodox. He would breeze into tournaments with minimal practice, relying on raw talent and nerve. Winnings were frequently lost within hours, gambled away on dog races, cards, or even trivial bets, only to end the night “on the lash” with friends.
Enjoyment:
Jimmy’s travel stories are told with a cheeky, entertaining flair, full of late-night adventures, dodgy venues, and unpredictable encounters. They paint a vivid picture of a snooker circuit that was more rock ‘n’ roll than refined sport.
The book shines when recounting Jimmy’s deep friendship with Alex ‘The Hurricane’ Higgins. Their shared brilliance, fiery personalities, and off-table escapades make for captivating reading. There’s warmth in their loyalty to one another that cuts through the chaos.
Objections:
While entertaining, the book at times feels dominated by Jimmy’s refusal or inability to grow up. His constant chasing of nights out, thrill-seeking, and camaraderie with fellow drinkers often overshadows moments of maturity or reflection.
One of the more frustrating aspects is Jimmy’s treatment of his family. He frequently disappeared for days or even weeks, sometimes ending up in other countries without a word, leaving Maureen at home to manage everything alone. There’s a repeated pattern: win big, lose big, then vanish into a haze of drinking and gambling, rather than return home or offer support.
Jimmy comes across as endearing but undeniably selfish. Despite moments of remorse, he rarely changes course. His addiction to the thrill, whether from betting, partying, or performing consistently, takes precedence over family responsibility. It’s a raw portrayal, but also at times disheartening.
Perhaps one of the most troubling admissions in the book is Jimmy’s account of the physical altercations between himself and Maureen. He is candid in acknowledging that their arguments would sometimes become violent, on both sides, before they would patch things up and present a polished, smiling image to the press. This dissonance between private dysfunction and public performance casts a dark shadow over the glossy façade of fame.
Final Thoughts:
Behind the White Ball is an honest, 'warts and all' tell-all of the early chapters of Jimmy White's life. It captures the dazzling highs and crushing lows of a man who lived entirely in the moment, often at great cost to himself and those around him.
It could be that Jimmy became a father too young for the kind of outlandish lifestyle he fell into, or perhaps there was an itch in him that no amount of gambling, drinking, or drug use could ever truly satisfy. His behaviour both on and off the table was often reckless, but it was also part of what made him electrifying to watch. If you want to read a book that covers each match or assessment of his performances, this is not the book for you. If you are looking to learn more about what made the Whirlwind tick, then this might be up your street. In the end, Jimmy White remains a sporting icon, a flawed genius, and perhaps the greatest snooker player never to win the World Championship.
From the opening pages, readers are drawn into Jimmy’s murky but vivid beginnings, where smoky snooker halls, pool hustling, and cheeky ambition collided to launch the whirlwind that would define his career. The narrative weaves early snooker milestones with a heavy dose of his unpredictable personal life, from the pressures of fame to the cost it took on those closest to him, particularly his wife, Maureen, and their children.
Interesting Points:
Zans Snooker Club. This South London dive is painted as both sanctuary and battleground, where Jimmy learned to play, gamble, and navigate shady characters. It’s as much a character in the book as the people inside it.
Meeting ‘Dodgey Bob’.Jimmy’s unofficial first manager and taxi driver, Dodgey Bob is a colourful figure whose blend of charm and chaos matched Jimmy’s lifestyle perfectly. Together, they embarked on impromptu exhibition matches, often with little to no preparation.
The Hustler’s Life. Jimmy’s approach to snooker was often unorthodox. He would breeze into tournaments with minimal practice, relying on raw talent and nerve. Winnings were frequently lost within hours, gambled away on dog races, cards, or even trivial bets, only to end the night “on the lash” with friends.
Enjoyment:
Jimmy’s travel stories are told with a cheeky, entertaining flair, full of late-night adventures, dodgy venues, and unpredictable encounters. They paint a vivid picture of a snooker circuit that was more rock ‘n’ roll than refined sport.
The book shines when recounting Jimmy’s deep friendship with Alex ‘The Hurricane’ Higgins. Their shared brilliance, fiery personalities, and off-table escapades make for captivating reading. There’s warmth in their loyalty to one another that cuts through the chaos.
Objections:
While entertaining, the book at times feels dominated by Jimmy’s refusal or inability to grow up. His constant chasing of nights out, thrill-seeking, and camaraderie with fellow drinkers often overshadows moments of maturity or reflection.
One of the more frustrating aspects is Jimmy’s treatment of his family. He frequently disappeared for days or even weeks, sometimes ending up in other countries without a word, leaving Maureen at home to manage everything alone. There’s a repeated pattern: win big, lose big, then vanish into a haze of drinking and gambling, rather than return home or offer support.
Jimmy comes across as endearing but undeniably selfish. Despite moments of remorse, he rarely changes course. His addiction to the thrill, whether from betting, partying, or performing consistently, takes precedence over family responsibility. It’s a raw portrayal, but also at times disheartening.
Perhaps one of the most troubling admissions in the book is Jimmy’s account of the physical altercations between himself and Maureen. He is candid in acknowledging that their arguments would sometimes become violent, on both sides, before they would patch things up and present a polished, smiling image to the press. This dissonance between private dysfunction and public performance casts a dark shadow over the glossy façade of fame.
Final Thoughts:
Behind the White Ball is an honest, 'warts and all' tell-all of the early chapters of Jimmy White's life. It captures the dazzling highs and crushing lows of a man who lived entirely in the moment, often at great cost to himself and those around him.
It could be that Jimmy became a father too young for the kind of outlandish lifestyle he fell into, or perhaps there was an itch in him that no amount of gambling, drinking, or drug use could ever truly satisfy. His behaviour both on and off the table was often reckless, but it was also part of what made him electrifying to watch. If you want to read a book that covers each match or assessment of his performances, this is not the book for you. If you are looking to learn more about what made the Whirlwind tick, then this might be up your street. In the end, Jimmy White remains a sporting icon, a flawed genius, and perhaps the greatest snooker player never to win the World Championship.
January 26, 2021
Jimmy White was and still is the 'cheeky chappy' of snooker. I don't really remember him as a snooker player in his heyday probably because I was living abroad and didn't watch snooker in those days. Having tuned into watching the sport again, I am intrigued to find out more about the main characters in the game. Jimmy's autobiography was my first choice and I really enjoyed it.
He certainly isn't a saint and there has never been a dull moment in his life or career. In 'Behind the White Ball', we get to know the young urchin who had an 'artful dodger' kind of existence, ducking and diving from school, his parents, and some of the undesirables that were around at the time. Even from a young age, he was passionate about the game and he has never lost that passion.
Jimmy gives an honest account of his life, there is nothing pretentious in this text. I was amazed at some of the pranks he and his snooker pals got up to at a young age and at the amounts of money he won and lost. This is a story of passion, determination, and resilience with splashes of fun, humour and sadness.
It is a good read for snooker fans but I am not sure who else would read this. I enjoyed it and can happily give it 4 stars.
He certainly isn't a saint and there has never been a dull moment in his life or career. In 'Behind the White Ball', we get to know the young urchin who had an 'artful dodger' kind of existence, ducking and diving from school, his parents, and some of the undesirables that were around at the time. Even from a young age, he was passionate about the game and he has never lost that passion.
Jimmy gives an honest account of his life, there is nothing pretentious in this text. I was amazed at some of the pranks he and his snooker pals got up to at a young age and at the amounts of money he won and lost. This is a story of passion, determination, and resilience with splashes of fun, humour and sadness.
It is a good read for snooker fans but I am not sure who else would read this. I enjoyed it and can happily give it 4 stars.
December 17, 2023
I wasn't surprised how honest Jimmy White was in this autobiography. Though I'd have liked more on his unsuccessful attempts to win the world championship final, there are clues as to why he ultimately failed, how his mother reacted and how he didn't let It screw him up.
His honesty shines through with accounts of petty crime, drink, drugs and gambling. I was shocked at how much he's lost gambling including several thousand pounds at a time just received in prize money.
A little boy lost who never really grew up is his self confessed admission echoed by his soul mate Maureen. It's sad to read of their troubled relationship over the years.
I was intrigued to hear of his escapades with the similar Alex Higgins, his rare account of The Nugget's one possible drunken collapse, and his upbringing in Tooting, an area I knew well at the time he was there.
My favourite story in the book follows the sad death of his brother Martin and the astounding account of Jimmy and others popping into the Co Op funeral parlour to bring his body home. Incredible but so Jimmy White.
He represents in this book something which attracted me to him as a player - an outsider, a revolutionary, an anti establishment figure in the vein of Higgins, O'Sullivan and in music Bob Dylan
His honesty shines through with accounts of petty crime, drink, drugs and gambling. I was shocked at how much he's lost gambling including several thousand pounds at a time just received in prize money.
A little boy lost who never really grew up is his self confessed admission echoed by his soul mate Maureen. It's sad to read of their troubled relationship over the years.
I was intrigued to hear of his escapades with the similar Alex Higgins, his rare account of The Nugget's one possible drunken collapse, and his upbringing in Tooting, an area I knew well at the time he was there.
My favourite story in the book follows the sad death of his brother Martin and the astounding account of Jimmy and others popping into the Co Op funeral parlour to bring his body home. Incredible but so Jimmy White.
He represents in this book something which attracted me to him as a player - an outsider, a revolutionary, an anti establishment figure in the vein of Higgins, O'Sullivan and in music Bob Dylan
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2021
I really like Jimmy White and I presumed I’d love this book but I just could get into it. Eventually it went back to the charity shop. Sorry Jimmy - although you came over as a good guy.
May 30, 2013
Jimmy White is not an entirely heroic person... He is deeply flawed and he pulls no punches in telling you some of the more unsavory adventures of his life as a snooker legend...
But, he is very likeable and honest and this book is the closest thing from a snooker player that I have read that compares to the biographies of American pool players...
As a side note, just try and not cringe at the story of the wake for his deceased brother... There would be no reason on earth to make that story up so I have to assume it's true...
But, he is very likeable and honest and this book is the closest thing from a snooker player that I have read that compares to the biographies of American pool players...
As a side note, just try and not cringe at the story of the wake for his deceased brother... There would be no reason on earth to make that story up so I have to assume it's true...
October 18, 2014
Great book much more than just a recount of his snooker career. I will now think of Jimmy White as more than just whirlwind!
February 24, 2015
Interesting read to pass the time, but it gets repetitive in the middle. There is also a very flexible approach to chronololgy, and at times it's difficult to gauge the year.
July 26, 2016
Repetitive anecdotes.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews