Cricket in Wales: An Illustrated History - Softcover

Hignell, Andrew

Softcover

ISBN 10: 070832164X ISBN 13: 9780708321645

Publisher: University of Wales Press, 2009

Synopsis

A bat-and-ball, a bowler, the third man: to many Americans, cricket sounds like a confused jumble of several contemporary sports. The history of cricket in Wales, however, dates back to 1783—when the first recorded match on Welsh soil took place and when the principality’s culture and social history forever took a turn toward cricking nationhood. Cricket in Wales is a remarkable illustrated history of the sport, tracing its development from the nineteenth-century – where it provided a common bond and unifying activity for the diverse peoples who found their way to booming Welsh cities and towns – to its current favor as the game of choice at folk festivals, rural picnics, and family gatherings. In addition to recreating the conditions and aspects of the game’s history that have generated such ardent fandom among the Welsh, this volume also considers the relationship between England—where cricket is the national sport—and Wales, who to this day still field a single representative team for the international circuit despite sometimes contentious relations, demonstrating how nationalist loyalties fuel the fire behind this engaging sport and the citizens who adore it.

About this title

About the Author

Andrew Hignall is the heritage and education manager at Glamorgan Cricket. Previously a scorer and statistician for BBC Radio Wales, he is also editor of the Cricket Society Journal.

Review

'This is a most interesting book which covers the development of the game of cricket in Wales from its very early days right up to the present. The story which it tells will certainly be enjoyed by Welsh cricket lovers. At the end there are some 50 photographs of various cricket teams ranging from Builth Wells circa 1860 to Glamorgan Totesport Champions in 2004. These show a wondrous variety of poses, hairstyles, hats, caps and blazers of all descriptions. An admirable way to close a comprehensive history of the game which has given pleasure to many.' Griffith Philipps, Cambria 'This book is comprehensive, covering the history of the game in Wales, with dozens of interesting photographs, monochrome and colour, many showing local teams from different periods. As a chronicle of cricket in Wales, it is not likely to be surpassed. It is well-written. As well as being informative, it is entertaining.' John Idris Jones, Planet 'Andrew Hignell's book is an impressive history of cricket in the principality, documenting the first recorded game in Carmarthenshire during 1783 through to the present day.' All Out Cricket magazine, March 2009 'It is evident that this fine volume is the product of extensive research, based at is on a rich vein of primary and secondary source material. Its appearance has also been timed to perfection, given the imminence of Cardiff's hosting of the first Ashes test match in July 2009. Whatever the outcome of the latter, Hignell has done the game in Wales inestimable service by producing a lucid work of synthesis which, in contrast to many catches, readers will find difficulty in putting down.' Jeff Childs, Morgannwg Volume LII, 2008

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Wales Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 070832164X
• ISBN 13: 9780708321645
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 328