Cricket is defined by the characters who have played it, watched it, reported it, ruled upon it, ruined it and rejoiced in it.

Humorous and deeply affectionate, Cricketing Lives tells the story of the world's greatest and most incomprehensible game through those who have shaped it, from the rustic contests of eighteenth-century England to the spectacle of the Indian Premier League. It's about W. G. Grace and his eye to his wallet; the invincible Viv Richards; and Sarah Taylor, 'the best wicketkeeper in the world...male or female'. Paying homage, too, to the game's great writers, Richard H. Thomas steers a course through the despair of war, tactical controversies and internecine politics, to reveal how cricket has always stormed back to warm our hearts as nothing else can.

'A warm and generous history that glows with love as well as learning.' - Wisden Cricket Monthly

'A very good cricketing history indeed, and highly recommended.' - Marcus Berkmann, The Spectator

'You name it, it's all here. Terrific.' - Daily Mail