Product Description

Considered by many to be a genius at his peak, Alex Higgins’s unorthodox play and exciting style earned him the nickname ‘Hurricane’ and led to his immense popularity and fame. In 1972 he became the youngest winner of the World Championship, repeating his victory in emotional style in 1982.

Higgins’s story is so much more than just snooker. Head-butting tournament officials, threatening to shoot team-mates, getting involved with gangsters, abusing referees, affairs with glamorous women, frequent fines and lengthy bans, all contributed to Higgins slipping down the rankings as he succumbed to drink and lost his fortune. After suffering throat cancer, Alex Higgins now reflects on his turbulent life and career in his first full autobiography. The Hurricane is back - prepare to be caught up in the carnage.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #15753 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

About the Author
Born in Belfast in 1949, Alex Higgins turned professional at the age of 22. A year later he won the World Championship and repeated his victory in 1982. He has also won the Benson and Hedges Masters twice (1978 and 1981) and the UK Championship once (1983). He lives in Belfast.

Customer Reviews

A Sad Tale
The problem with this book is that it is written by Alex Higgins! The man is so immersed in his addictions that he has very little insight into a life that has clearly been dominated by drink fags, and gambling. What does emerge though is the sadly familiar tale of addiction: wasted opportunities, severed relationships, financial ruin, major health problems amidst other things.

Yet Higgins steadfastly maintains that he has had a great life despite the mess that it has obviously been. Only two World Championship wins, his failure to hold on to any meaningful relationship, the fact that he has blown every penny he has earned are signs of a life which failed to make the most of the great talent he was given. Saddest of all is the story of Higgins's life now: sat alone in a Belfast pub surrounding by the triumvirate of drink, fags and horse racing waiting to see which one kills him first.

The book itself is rambling and disjointed. His arrogance that the world owed him a living at times is breathtaking, as is the bewildering number of grudges he still seems to bear. Then there are the apologies, some decades overdue; others he refuses to make although invariably it sounded as though he was in the wrong even in his words!

Alex, A Man of Courage
This book is a MUST for anyone who remembers Alex as the Hurricane ; as the man who set the game on fire.

Alex was always a man of courage and determination, albeit that this determination sadly spilled over into excesses. Alex shows the ultimate courage in this book, honestly recognising that he made mistakes in his life. And hey, who hasn't ?

Alex's career came before the big money was attracted to snooker. Nevertheless, the big money came because of players like Alex, who electrified audiences with shots that no one could believe were possible.

Unfortunately, players today are so focused on the big prize money, that the style, sponteneity and excitement of the Hurricane are but moments to relish in history.

The chapter dedicated to the late Oliver Reed gives an insight into the friendship between two extraordinary characters of our time.

As with all honest biographies, the truth comes at a price ; perhaps paid in terms of image. Whatever the price to Alex for being so honest, the truth he has told will speak to many and not just snooker fans.

Well done Alex.