Product Description

There are many books about cricket and many on beer, but this is the first book to bring the two subjects together. Leading beer writer and cricket enthusiast Roger Protz has visited the major grounds of all the First Class counties to prepare in-depth profiles of them - their history, museums, memorabilia and notable records. Many of the museums, including Lord's, Trent Bridge, Taunton and Old Trafford help trace the history of the game with fascinating collections of ancient bats, balls, blazers, books, caps and trophies. "The Beer Lover's Guide to Cricket" also details some of the great cricket victories, including Jim Laker's 19 wickets in a Test; Botham's remarkable feat at Headingley in snatching victory from the jaws of defeat against the Australians and the pulsating 2005 Ashes series. The pleasure of each visit is rounded off with a detailed description of the best pubs in the vicinities of the grounds and the real ales they sell. The book also traces the fascinating story of the birth of the modern game at the Broadhalfpenny ground in Hampshire opposite a pub, the Bat & Ball, and shows how the tradition of good beer and cricket is kept alive at many grounds.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #245474 in Books
• Published on: 2007-04-20
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 160 pages

About the Author
Roger Protz is an award-winning journalist, author and broadcaster. He has twice been the Glenfiddich Drink Writer of the Year and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Guild of Beer Writers, together with numerous Gold and Silver Tankard awards. He is the author of more than 15 books about beer and brewing and is the Editor of the annual bestselling Good Beer Guide, now in its 35th year and the recent best-seller 300 Beers to Try Before You Die!

Customer Reviews

A book which delivers what it promises
As a beer and cricket lover I was keen to get my hands on a copy of this book and was not disappointed when I did so.

The book begins with a section on the development of modern cricket at Hambledon and the role of the Bat & Ball pub in this. It then takes the reader on a guided tour of all the First Class County cricket grounds, providing details of location and how to get there. A description and history of each ground is given, with pubs often taking an important role in the latter. Each ground is also given a `great feats' box recognising the record breaking performances of individuals and teams at the venue. For the beer loving cricket fan, the icing on the cake is the details of recommended real ale outlets in the proximity of the ground. Other grounds used by the county sides also get a mention, again with recommended pubs.

The book rounds off with a brief explanation of real ale for cricket lovers that need educating. All in all this is a book that is packed with interesting and useful information and beautifully illustrated throughout.