A Beautiful Game

Reviews / Votes

Mark Nicholas...captures the magic of top-flight cricket in this likeable memoir. * Sunday Telegraph * [H]ugely enjoyable... Nicholas has done a huge service to a game already in his debt. He helped to lift English cricket out of the sporting gloom of the late 1990s; and now he has chronicled his era as if he were one of us. For that, every cricket nut, English or otherwise, should be immensely grateful. * Independent * Mark Nicholas has written a fascinating and engaging account of his life in cricket, firstly as a player and latterly as a commentator. This is an immensely readable but far from lightweight book, packed with anecdote, opinion and - a valuable gift - empathy... he is an elegant, enthusiastic observer of the game and this book, and indeed his life in cricket, deserves plaudits. * ESPN Cricinfo * A typically entertaining collection of thoughts, opinions and memories from inside the soul of the game we love. -- Sir Ian Botham Every chapter is interesting in its own way. I didn't always agree with him but that's not the point. The point is that I wanted to read on. -- Geoffrey Boycott Mark Nicholas has been at the centre of the game as a player, writer, commentator and analyst for years. Very few have ever equalled his passion, perception, knowledge of the game and matchless ability to communicate it with wit, charm and flawless fluency. All these qualities and more have flowered in A Beautiful Game. -- Stephen Fry A brilliant broadcaster with a wonderful knowledge of the game and, above all, an infectious passion for cricket. -- Shane Warne The thing about Mark is his uniquely positive take on cricket. He conveys the message that the game may not be easy but it's sure worthwhile. His book is the same, a celebration. -- Alastair Cook Mark Nicholas is a master with words, both written and spoken. His positivity is what separates him from others and it's what shines through in this book. -- Sunil Gavaskar Vision, knowledge, enthusiasm: three of the attributes that give Mark authority and respect. This book reflects his passion for the game and his ability to tell the stories that make it so special. A great read. -- Michael Vaughan Top class from first to last. -- Sir Michael Parkinson Quite possibly the best cricket book you will ever read - a masterpiece. -- Mike Procter Whether writing or commentating, Mark has always been able to take us inside the game. If I was buying one cricket book this year, it would A Beautiful Game -- Wasim Akram this is indeed a beautiful book. It is the memoir of a complex and fascinating man much more interesting and nuanced than the sporting celebrity with whom most of us are familiar... a gifted writer who possesses not only an uncanny eye for the game but for humanity in general. * The Australian *