Mark Ryan's monumental chronicle of cricket in Leamington isn't just a sports book—it's a time machine. At first glance, its sheer size might seem daunting: 952 pages packed with 471 black-and-white photographs and illustrations, alongside countless statistical tables. But Ryan transforms what could have been a dry historical record into a fascinating journey through nearly two centuries of local sporting life.
The book's opening chapters paint a vivid picture of early Victorian Leamington, where cricket struggled to find its footing. Ryan masterfully weaves together the failed attempts of 1829 and the ambitious but unsuccessful cricket week of 1809, showing how these false starts reflected the broader social dynamics of the era. The twin victories over the MCC in 1850 spring to life on the page, marking a crucial moment in the town's cricketing aspirations.
Where this work truly shines is in its detailed examination of the period from 1899 to 1960. Ryan's meticulous research uncovers the rich tapestry of local cricket culture, from the controversial introduction of Sunday cricket to the magnetic presence of FA Ward. The author has an eye for telling details, bringing to life those summer days when Arlington Avenue would draw crowds of 800-1000 spectators. These weren't just cricket matches; they were social events that defined the community.
The statistical backbone of the book, particularly in its coverage of the post-1970 league era, provides an essential resource for cricket historians. Yet Ryan never lets the numbers overwhelm the narrative. Instead, they serve to illustrate the dramatic evolution of the sport from its genteel Victorian origins to today's highly competitive league structure.
The book's extensive visual archive—featuring 471 photographs and illustrations—deserves special mention. These images don't merely decorate the text; they form an integral part of the historical record, capturing the visual history of cricket in Leamington through the years.
If there's a criticism to be made, it's that the sheer volume of information sometimes threatens to overwhelm the casual reader. This is very much a reference work first and a narrative history second. Some might find the detailed statistical tables in the modern section excessive, though cricket enthusiasts will likely treasure them.
Ryan has achieved something remarkable here: a definitive local history that transcends its geographical boundaries to tell a larger story about the evolution of English cricket. This book will undoubtedly become the standard reference work on Leamington cricket, but it's also a valuable case study in how local sporting institutions reflect and shape their communities over time.
For cricket historians, local history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the development of English sport, this meticulously researched volume is an essential addition to their library. While its scope and detail might intimidate general readers, those who persevere will find a rich and rewarding exploration of how one sport helped shape a community's identity across two centuries.
The price may seem steep for a local history, but the quality of research, wealth of illustrations, and sheer physical heft of the volume justify the investment. This isn't just a book about cricket in Leamington—it's a testament to the enduring role of sport in English social life.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Delivered to You Last Week March 2025
Some publishers release new titles early, so our ETA above could change. Publisher: Visit Helion
Published: March 15, 2025Price: £45.99 Hardcover: 952 pagesISBN-10: 1804517488ISBN-13: 978-1804517482Dimensions: 250 x 180 x 60 (mm)
