Boycs: The True Story - Hardcover

McKinstry, Leo

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1852252790 ISBN 13: 9781852252793

Publisher: Partridge Press, 2000

Synopsis

A candid biography of a sporting icon

About this title

Review:

Billing Geoff Boycott (as the inside cover of this biography does) as a "charismatic, single-minded and often exasperating personality" may be, to some, not unlike calling Attila the Hun somebody "who liked to pick an argument". Coupled with the claim that this account is "the true story", Leo McKinstry has certainly set himself a challenge in terms of convincing what can only be described (at the best of times) as a doubtful public.

McKinstry, to give him his credit, certainly goes for the holistic approach, tracing Boycott's life from his childhood as a miner's son in the West Yorkshire village of Fitzwilliam, through his professional career at Yorkshire and his international success to his time after retirement as commentator and media personality. (As for the "squalid" court case--make up your own mind!) Collecting testimony from friends, colleagues, relatives and "some enemies", McKinstry attempts a balanced picture of a difficult subject--known throughout the cricketing and media world for his acerbic, forthright and often downright rude manner, this portrait of a "charismatic" and "enigmatic" figure might be more "comprehensive and balanced" for some than others.

Whatever your view of Geoff Boycott, it is unlikely to be vastly changed by this fascinating and certainly well-researched biography. Love him or hate him, very few people are ambivalent about the professional Yorkshireman and he may very well be a figure who is misunderstood and misrepresented because of his refusal to play the PR game. For that reason alone, this is a book which probably deserves to be read as much, if not more, by those who hate him than those who remain forever devoted to one of the greatest cricketing talents of the last century. Read, enjoy, and draw your own conclusions. --Jane Smith

From the Author:

A frank and comprehensive portrait of the cricketing legend
This is an unauthorised biography of one of Britain's most controversial sporting figures. Based on in-depth research and over ninety interviews with family, friends and colleagues - including some of the greatest names in cricket like Tony Greig, David Gower and Ted Dexter - I have aimed to discover the truth behind the Boycott mythology. The book's central theme is the interplay between Boycott's obsessive, driven personality and his accomplishments on the cricket field. I argue that Boycott, who was not endowed with great natural talent, would have never reached the top of his sport without his relentless determination. But it was the same tunnel vision that turned him into a loner and led to all the titanic rows that punctuated his career. There is a host of revelations in the book about everything from Boycott's notorious rudeness to his entangled private life, from his arguments with England captains to his performance in the commentary box. As a devoted cricket fan, it is has been a great pleasure researching and writing this book - I hope that others will derive a similar enjoyment from reading it.

I have already been gratified by the comments and reviews I have received, including: THE DAILY MAIL (which serialised extracts over five days): "A fascinating book. Drawing on unique testimony from friends, relatives and colleagues, it reveals the untold story behind the enigma." SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: "Shrewd, perceptive, and offering a fresh slant on Boycott's fabled selfishness as a batsman. Some of the most enjoyable passages are descriptions of Boycott's spectacular rudeness. A balanced and not unfavourable book, it makes Boycott's numerous contrasting traits seem not only natural but almost appealing." DAILY MIRROR (news item): "The spotlight is on Geoffrey Boycott with the arrival of this warts-and-all biography." THE YORKSHIRE POST: "McKinstry has produced the most thorough study to date on Boycott the man and the cricketer." BBC WM: "An excellent book." GREATER MANCHESTER RADIO: "A terrific read."

About this edition

• Publisher: Partridge Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 1852252790
• ISBN 13: 9781852252793
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 352