Sir Vivian: The Definitive Autobiography

Richards, Vivian

ISBN 10: 014100259X / ISBN 13: 9780141002590

Published by Penguin, 2001

About this Item

Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Damaged cover. The cover of is slightly damaged for instance a torn or bent corner. Ex-library book with stamps on the first page, it is also likely to have a small shelf number sticker on the spine.

Seller Inventory # CHL10427593

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Sir Vivian: The Definitive Autobiography
• Publisher: Penguin
• Publication Date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 014100259X
• ISBN 13: 9780141002590
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Used; Good

About this title

Synopsis

"Wisden Cricket Monthly" announced in May 1999 that Vivian Richards had been voted the best international cricketer of the past 25 years by his peers. Ian Botham came second and Shane Warne third. Both of them voted for Viv Richards. The most compelling and exciting batsman in the modern game, Viv Richards played for the West Indies from 1974 to 1991. He took over the captaincy from Clive Lloyd in 1985 and under his leadership West Indies became the most feared team in the world, the irresistible force of the international game. Now, seven years after his retirement from the game, Viv Richards can tell his story without fear or favour for the first time. From the early years in Antigua and as a teenager in the West Country, the story continues with the humiliation of West Indies at the hand of pace bowlers Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee and charts the successful remoulding of the West Indians into the team that dominated world cricket for nearly 20 years.

Review

In the latest edition of the cricketing bible Wisden, Sir Vivian Richards was voted one of the five greatest cricketers of the 20th century. In the words of no lesser judge than Ian Botham, "There has never been a better player". Whatever the nature of any specific accolade, there can be no doubt that during a test match career running between 1974 and 1991, Viv Richards proved himself one of the most accomplished, exciting and destructive batsmen that the world stage has ever seen. This autobiography, written with journalist Bob Harris, tells the story from Viv's point of view, and is pretty much what cricket fans would expect from the man who was no stranger to controversy on a number of occasions during his playing days. Richards' career in cricket is fully covered from its inception until his failure to secure appointment as coach of the West Indies side to tour England in 2000. Playing days in England for Somerset and Glamorgan are recalled, alongside many memorable matches for the West Indies, and opinions on opponents and team-mates from around the world. Viv's great mate Botham of course features heavily, the former looking back on the special relationship they clearly had both off an on the field, where they enjoyed many a good battle. And Richards, it seems, loves nothing more than a battle. This combative nature, along with fierce determination, allied to loyalty to friends and his beloved Antigua, and the Caribbean in general, shine through as the key themes in his success. Flavoured with a sense of humour, these characteristics ensure that Viv's story is as entertaining as the batting with which he thrilled crowds around the world. --Trevor Crowe