Arlott: The Authorised Biography - Tapa blanda

John Arlott was the voice of cricket for over 30 years, but he was also a much-loved and multi-faceted man with friends from many walks of life, from Dylan Thomas to Jo Grimond as well as Denis Compton and Ian Botham. He was also a very private man who, although well-known to nearly everyone, was only known to a few. The son of a cemetery-keeper, Arlott began life as a clerk in a mental home before becoming a policeman in war-bombed Southampton, a tyro poet encouraged by John Betjeman, 12th man for Worcestershire CC and literary programmes producer at the BBC. He was also a Liberal candidate, author and wine correspondent.

WINNER OF THE CRICKET SOCIETY LITERARY AWARD

John Arlott's talents embraced poetry, journalism, broadcasting, wine and politics, but he will always be remembered for the genius he brought to his cricket commentaries; his rich Hampshire burr, imaginative turn of phrase and ability to bring to life the characters of the game made him a broadcasting legend.

Before his first cricket broadcast in 1946 ('You have a vulgar voice, but an interesting mind' was his boss's assessment) he had been a bobby on the beet in wartime Southampton, a tyro poet encouraged by John Betjeman, and a literary programmes producer at the BBC. He quickly became the commentator most highly esteemed by players and public alike, whose distinctive voice came to epitomise the very sound of an English summer.

"Splendid... This warmly satisfying book records the life and times of John Arlott with pleasing simplicity but deep understanding, and in a narrative style that makes it genuinely 'a good read'"
MURRAY HEDGCOCK, 'Wisdon Cricket Monthly'

"An admirable biography, full, detailed and sympathetic"
ALLAN MASSIE, 'Daily Telegraph'

"A very fine biography"
MATTHEW ENGEL, 'Times Literary Supplement'

"Great man... very good, uncomplicated biography"
FRANK KEATING, ' Guardian'

"Detailed and swiftly moving... Arlott is lovingly remembered by his friend"
GILES COREN, 'New Statesman and Society'