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Brightly Fades the Don
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 30, 2018
I bought 3 books by Jack Fingleton together - Cricket Crisis, Masters of Cricket, and this one. This is the one I enjoyed the most. It is an excellent account of Don Bradman's last series - Australia's tour of England post World War II in 1948. Fingleton's writing describes the cricket in a different way, not simply as a chain of events and who scored how much, but more like a story moving back and forth in time littered with seemingly insignificant yet delightful details. For example, 'the dark clouds loomed over Trent Bridge as the 2 captains walked out for the toss - Yardley in flannels and Bradman in mufti. There is no giant scoreboard in England to signal which side will bat first, but Bradman made to take off his blazer as he walked back to the dressing room. So, Australia would field.' Just little details and quirky writing which bring a smile to the reader's lips.
Near the end of this book is a wonderful chapter on Fingleton meeting the Bodyline anti-hero from 15 years back - Harold Larwood. A sensitive man who merely did as he was told, and was later criticized in his own country despite being possibly the finest bowler of his generation who made Bradman seriously flinch. This chapter, to me, is the highlight of this enjoyable book. Recommended for any cricket aficionado who likes reading about old times.
Near the end of this book is a wonderful chapter on Fingleton meeting the Bodyline anti-hero from 15 years back - Harold Larwood. A sensitive man who merely did as he was told, and was later criticized in his own country despite being possibly the finest bowler of his generation who made Bradman seriously flinch. This chapter, to me, is the highlight of this enjoyable book. Recommended for any cricket aficionado who likes reading about old times.
November 26, 2016
Being a cricket tragic, reading this was a labour of love. Jack Fingleton was often critical of Bradman but he has tempered his opinions in this very readable coverage of the 1948 tour of an England still recovering from the second World War.
February 15, 2019
Jack Fingleton is one of my favourite cricket writers. Allying his knowledge as a test cricketer to journalistic skill, a ability to write with both an understanding and love of the game that doesn't require sensationalism, this is another fine book of his. The 1948 tour by the Australians who crushed all sides in front of them is described in detail, with interesting and perceptive analysis, humour and a critical eye where needed. One of the better books about tours which can often end up be merely descriptive
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews