BOOKSHELF

Press, 20 December 1978, Page 22

BOOKSHELF

those in which a batsman top scored in one innings and had a duck in the other.

First-class and test statistics, ranging very wide, make up most of the book but there are some interesting articles, including a tribute to Bevan Congdon and a selection, almost inevitably, of five players of the year — Robert Anderson, lan Botham, Richard Collinge, Richard Hadlee and Graham Vivian The noted test all-roun-der and commentator, Trevor Bailev, has produced A HISTORY OF CRICKET (Cassell, Australia;l92pp., $11.95) and it is a very attractive volume, which includes plenty of illustrations including some colour plates. It must have

more pleasure than any of his other works. For Fingleton clearly shares the affection in which Trumper is still held. The great Australian batsman died 3 years ago, but his name is almost as familiar today as that of Sir Donald Bradman.

For Trumper w’as not only a magnificent batsman with a splendid record. Those of his time testify to his kindness and humanity. He was loved. And if the book is a somewhat expensive one. those who love cricket and its great personalities will treasure this intimate record of the man, his performances, and his personality. — R.T.B. With the All Blacks’ successful tour of Britain a major talking point at present, a timely arrival on booksellers’ shelves is Murray Reid’s NEW ZEAL A N D BARBARIAN RUGBY BOOK (J. M. McGregor Ltd; 80pp; $4.95).

There is a good deal about Graham Mourie and his admirable players, especially pictorially, between the covers of this handsome volume. Everything is presented crisply and imaginatively, and the illustrations, both black and white and colour , are excellent.

The book will appeal especially to younger readers, for there are features on greatest tries, best players, leading personalities and international colours, as well as a quiz or two. Murray Reid, who is club captain of the Bar-

The Wallabies’ tour of New Zealand gets handsome coverage, and the Australian-Welsh tests are tossed in for good measure. Once again the provincial reviews are a highlight of the annual, the only blot being the absence of a North Otago chapter “because of industrial action by journalists.”