He has done several books over the years, including the outstanding Local Heroes, on the 1936 Championship winning side, as well as the original version of this book, the centenary history of the club up to 1970.
I have two copies of that book, a using one which is well-thumbed and another that is fairly pristine and signed by numerous County legends I have met over the years. With those books among my desert island picks, it was a reasonable bet that I would find this one to my taste.
I opted for the subscriber edition, in recognition for what the club has meant to me over the years and quite frankly it is magnificent.
The book has been updated, of course but the original text (with any amendments required) is enhanced still further with photographs from the club's archive and others taken by David Griffin. It breaks the text into manageable chunks that can be read in a tea break, or before lights out at bed time. They are fascinating and contribute to a book that should be on every county supporters Christmas list, if they haven't already got it, of course.
Bob Taylor's foreword sets the scene nicely and his photograph at the end neatly bookends the 256 pages that simply fly by.
I am flattered to have been included in John's acknowledgements at the front and it is nice to see the input of former players over the years acknowledged too. As the author says himself, their anecdotes add the seasoning to the text and make it all the more special.
If you are a Derbyshire supporter you really must own this book, as it will rekindle memories for all of you. If you don't support the club you should still buy it, because it is an overview of the county scene over 150 years that will be tough to beat.
Warm congratulations to John and to David Griffin for their work.
The final product has met all expectations. And then some...
A Celebration of Derbyshire Cricket:150 Year Anniversary is written by John Shawcroft and available from Derbyshire County Cricket Club
A brilliant production.
ReplyDeleteAs you say Peakfan an excellent publication. I had the pleasure of working with John he was always a charming man and very much as perfectionist.
ReplyDeleteI have Local Heroes and his original centenary history, Copy no 252, so it must be the second edition, both brilliant.
ReplyDeleteWill be getting this new one to add to my collection.
Will pick up a copy next time I'm in England.
Have Local Heroes and the centenary history, No 252, so must be a second edition, both brilliant.
ReplyDeleteWill add this to my list.
Will pick up a copy next time I'm in England.