Product Description

Fred Trueman is a national treasure, a sporting legend whose fame extends far beyond the world of cricket. His dazzling performances raised the spirit of the nation, struck terror into the hearts of opponents and lead him to become the first cricketer to take 300 Test wickets. Written with Fred's characteristic honesty and wit, "As It Was" tells his remarkable story, from the small village upbringing to his youthful debut for Yorkshire, from the Test triumphs to his frustrations with the cricketing establishment. But this is only half the story. Candidly, Fred recalls his life away from cricket: the stresses and strains of his first marriage; the camaraderie of Test Match Special and his successful career as an after-dinner speaker. Bursting with riotous anecdotes, warm humour and trenchant opinion, this is a peerless autobiography by a true sporting icon.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #183185 in Books
• Published on: 2005-05-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 456 pages

Derek Hodgson in The Independent
'Trueman's 2004 publication As It Was was probably the best of his autobiographical ventures.'

About the Author
Fred Trueman made his Yorkshire debut in May 1949, the start of a long and glittering - not to mention record-breaking - career. In addition to enjoying phenomenal success as a player, he was a member of BBC radio's Test Match Special team from 1974 until 2000, and is renowned as one of the most humorous and brilliantly entertaining speakers on the after-dinner circuit.

Customer Reviews

The Best Fast Bowler 'As Ever Drew Breath !
Its surprised me to see that Fiery Fred has never written an auotbiography before now. After all , its getting on for four decades since the great man retired, which means that the number of potential readers who actually saw him play is dwindling. However, for those who only know him through his engaging and forthright comments on Radio 4's Test Match Special up to a few years ago, this is a timely reminder that Freddie Trueman was one of the finest, and most interesting cricketers England have ever produced.

Viewed as a 'professional Yorkshireman' , Fred makes it clear from the start that he has always been brought up to speak his mind plainly, and this is what you get in the book. Fred takes you through the whole of his life and career, and a very interesting story it is. Fred played with and against some of the finest cricketers which England, and the other test playing nations ev4er produced, and they all come to life in Fred's narrative, as it develops throughout the book.

You'll become aware , though that Fred is making a point abou tthe way that cricket was led and managed by county committees , and the MCC, and how the game, and his own career, were hampered by the preponderance of 'good chaps' from Oxford and Cambridge in the corridors of power. I'm sure he's right. Cricket reflected British society in the 40's, 50's and 60's.

Its a good read. You won't come away having had your ideas abou tthe great man changed - what you've always seen is what you'll get here. Good job too.

Superb Book
As a football fan recieving this i wasnt too sure about it.
However it was great to find out about the life fred trueman had and the difficulties he faced.
Would recommend it to anyone even those who dont particularly like cricket

As it was...Fred Trueman.
I possess the book but have not read it. It was great to hear Fred with his mixture of stories, reminiscences and opinions....brilliant.