The Way It Was, by Stephen Chalke
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.When Stephen Chalke proposed a book about 1950s cricket, publishers were united in their indifference. So he published it himself, to great acclaim. In the ensuing 11 years he has written a further 10 – two named as 'Wisden' Books of the Year – and this latest is a collection of his magazine and newspaper articles, focusing mainly on county cricket between 1946 and 1969.
A half-forgotten age is brought vividly back to life when the Chalke pen gets to work. He keeps himself unobtrusively in the background, yet you sense his deep love for and knowledge of the game has enabled him to tease out tales from the players of that era which would otherwise have remained untold. Keith Andrew's record (still standing) of not conceding a bye for nearly 900 overs while keeping for Northamptonshire; the Gloucestershire off-spinner Bomber Wells's hundred in 35 minutes, batting No 11; Sir Julien Cahn and his inflatable pads – glimpses of the past, before Twenty20 had been dreamt of, told with wit and 20/20 vision.
Published in hardback by Fairfield Books. Available via mail order at £17 inc p&p from fairfieldbooks.co.uk, 01225 335813
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments