Bob Willis: A Cricketer and a Gentleman: The Sunday Times Bestseller
£12.70£19.00 (-33%)
SHORTLISTED FOR THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS CRICKET BOOK OF THE YEAR 2021
‘Verdict on Willis book: a treat’ – Express
‘The book is a gem’ – Mike Atherton
‘It’s a lovely book, containing previously unseen musings from the great man’ – David Lloyd
‘enjoyable and eye-opening… a delight to read’ – The Telegraph
‘A warm, polished recollection.’ – The Guardian
‘It’s such a great read’ – Piers Morgan
‘Willis book will bowl you over’ – Sunday Mirror & The People
A biography celebrating the life of the legendary cricketer Bob Willis, with tributes from key figures in sports and media and a foreword by Sir Ian Botham.
Following his passing in 2019, tributes to Bob came flooding in in every major news outlet and from every major figure in the industry – and outside of it. His career spanned decades, from his days as a cricketer for England to his time as a pundit on Sky TV. This autobiography includes never-before-seen writing from Bob alongside contributions from key figures as well as a detailed account of the great England victory over Australia at Headingly in 1981.
The book, edited by Bob’s brother David, combines a new biography, written by Daily Mail sportswriter Mike Dickson, with a celebration of a truly legendary man. Tributes from some of his many friends in the world of cricket and beyond are accompanied by reflections on highlights from an eventful life, drawing on autobiographical and personal material by Bob himself, contemporary press reports and the accounts of team-mates and opponents.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Hodder & Stoughton (6 Aug. 2020) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Hardcover | 304 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1529341345 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1529341348 |
| Dimensions | 16.2 x 3.2 x 23.8 cm |
by Mr. D. R. Holding
I was fortunate enough to be on two cricket holidays in the late 80s. Bob Willis, Bob Taylor and the BBC broadcaster Pat Murphy were the cricket celebs and Bob Willis was an absolute class act and his first wife remains the most charming lady i have ever met. He was much more interested in asking me about my own minor cricket exploits than talking about his major achievements. I remained a fan of his until he died so naturally purchased this book. Have to say very bland with too much of his brother and a very matter of fact resume of his England career and the second half is a cut and paste of reports from a few of his great performances incorporating massive chunks of his previous books. I cannot see how anyone can give this books top marks when (to be generous) at least 40% of the content is simply lifted from previous books associated with Bob Willis, disappointing. but its Excellent all profits go to the battle against prostate cancer
by ProgRockMan
What a bowler. What a cricketer. What a commentator. Luckily, I was diagnosed early 7 years ago. Went under the knife and still here, and “clear”. So sorry for Bob and his family.
by Kimberley Warden
A wonderful trip through Bob’s life suffused with amusing anecdotes but also a record of all he achieved both on and off the field. A cricketer during the 1970s and a broadcaster from the 1980 – Bob very much at the forefront of the ground-breaking events that took place during both pivotal periods. The many tributes on his passing dwelled on the warmth and conviviality of the man away from the screen/pitch and that comes over in some warm tributes from an array of characters from inside and outside the world of cricket. There’s also a fascinating chapter on Headingley ‘81 from Bob’s words, an important reminder of how different the world was then for our sporting icons. That comes across as well in the excerpts from prior books. Finally some analysis of other matches beyond Headingley ‘81 which pay tribute to the duration of the career, the pinnacles he reached and the guts he showed. In summary, a lovely read easily devoured in one sitting by the cricket fan but also then readily enjoyed by anyone in bite-sized morsels presumably with some Dylan in the background and a glass of something cold close to hand. All proceeds to Prostate Cancer charity so a great cause too. I just hope they print enough for Christmas as I’ll be sending many to family and friends!.
by Paul Armstrong
Bob Willis was one of the very greatest fast bowlers England has ever produced, the nation’s all-time leading wicket taker at one time and responsible for that inspired, immortal spell of 8-43 to defeat the Aussies at Headingley in July 1981. Then he became a truly great broadcaster – both as lead commentator, and later unrivalled teller of uncomfortable truths as a pundit – across two decades with Sky’s outstanding TV cricket team. Both remarkable careers are superbly chronicled in Bob’s own words, and those of team-mates, opponents and contemporary cricket writers, as well some tremendous photos. More than that, Bob was also a delightful, funny, warm and cultured human being who loved wine, music (the chapters feature apt Bob Dylan titles and lyrics) and good company, and who touched the hearts of an extraordinary array of contributors to this fine book. Their warmth and love for the man pours off the pages. It’s particularly fitting that all proceeds are going to the fight against prostate cancer. RIP RGD Willis
by d.tomlin
A brilliant read.
I shed a tear on Bob’s passing last year. He was the only reason I watched The Verdict (why rename it to The Debate?). He had an excellent rapport with Charles Colville.
The book is spilt into two main parts.
Part I is an excellent look back through his early life and cricket career by Mike Dickson.
We then get part II.
A more in depth look at Headingley 81, memories of Bob from cricketing friends, Six of Bob’s memorable tests, In his own words, which uses extracts from some of Bob’s earlier books, A listing of some of Bob’s great one liners and scathing comments on The Verdict, a piece in Bob’s own words following his diagnosis and finally a list of tributes from sportsman and celebrities.
To summarise a lovely book which I thoroughly enjoyed,
by floribundababe
This was a gift. I am not a cricket fan. Recipient was happy.
by Jeanie Keena
Bought for a gift and it was a successful buy
by John, UK.
The first half of the book was very enjoyable but a large part of the end of it was repetitive, reproduced, press cuttings. Would have preferred more anecdotes from and about Bob.