REVIEW QUOTES

David Foot has subtitled Harold Gimblett “Tormented Genius of Cricket” and his biography justifies it. This is no cosy recital of runs or wickets, of comfortable success; but of the mental agony of one man who, despite his outstanding cricket gifts, never gained the satisfaction they seemed to offer. Mr Foot is an experienced journalist; and, just as this is not a comfortable book, neither is it a sentimental one. In a way it is an autobiography, for the man recorded much of his agony and indecision on tapes. There is no other book like it in cricket literature; no one else has ever gone – or honestly attempted to go – down into the pit with a cricketer. Because it is so honest, because it has a tragic and not a happy ending, this may never be a “popular” book; but it is fine, compassionate and wise. Mr Foot deserves the admiration and thanks of all who care for human truth in a game which does not always face facts.

John Arlott

Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack 1983

back